
Class 
Book 






Copyright N?_ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



Practical and Scientific 
Horseshoeing 



FRANK G. CHURCHILL 



1912. 

FRANKLIN HUDSON PUBLISHING CO., 
KANSAS CITY, MO. 



«•$ 



Copyright, 1912, 

By Franklin Hudson Publishing Co., 

Kansas City, Mo. 



^CLA316188 
ytso / 



PREFACE. 



While there is no scarcity of excellent books on 
horseshoeing, it is a fact that the great majority of 
horseshoers, and probably nine-tenths of our active 
horsemen, are not in possession of a text-book on this 
important science. This is probably due, at least in a 
measure, to the rather high price necessarily charged 
for such publications. 

It has been the author's intention to compile a book 
which will fully cover the subject and at the same time 
permit those interested to obtain it at a very moderate 
cost. 

The writer has spent many years of his life in the 
practical and theoretical work of horseshoeing, but it 
was not done with the idea of writing a Manual. Last 
year one of my student officers suggested that I pub- 
lish my views on the subject, and, after much hesi- 
tation, the task was attempted. 

An effort has been made to keep the text in simple 
language, and it is hoped that the reasons and ex- 
planations given will be clear and convincing to all 
who may read it. 

A great many publications have been consulted 
during the preparation of the text. However, I desire 



4 Preface 

to especially acknowledge assistance received from 
"The Army Horseshoer" and "The Army Horse in 
Accident and Disease/' both of which books have been 
continuously used during my connection with the 
Training School for Farriers and Horseshoers. 

Frank G. Churchiix. 
Fort Riley, Kansas, 

March 24, 1912. L 



CONTENTS. 



Chapter I. — Discussion on Shoeing 7 

II. — Anatomy and Physiology of the Horse's 

Foot 21 

1 1 1 . — Normal Shoeing 42 

IV. — Shoeing for Gaits 64 

V. — Diseases of the Feet. Pathological Shoeing 68 

VI.— Miscellaneous Hints 108 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Plate I . — The Bones of the Leg 23 

II —The Foot 30-31 

III. — The Foot and Pastern Axis 43 

IV. — The Prepared Foot 52 

V. — Level of the Foot 55 

VI. — Special Shoes for Correcting Faults in Gaits. . 75 

VII.— Pathological Shoes 97 



CHAPTER I. 
Principles of Horseshoeing. 

The fundamental principle of shoeing is to protect 
the foot from breaking and wearing away at a rate 
greater than the growth of horn supplied by Nature, 
and at the same time interfere as little as possible with 
the physiological functions of the different structures 
of the foot. 

That shoeing is a necessary evil has been admitted 
for centuries, and we find various means have been 
adopted for the protection of the feet — from the straw 
foot-pad used rather extensively in Japan to the mod- 
ern American iron and steel shoes. 

Eminent veterinarians, scientific horseshoers, and 
the most advanced horsemen have made long and 
thorough study of the science of shoeing, with the re- 
sult that to-day a remarkably perfect system of shoe- 
ing is being practiced throughout this country. 

In the shoeing of our horses, we should always en- 
deavor to keep the feet in a condition as close to that 
which Nature intended them as is consistent with the 
amount and class of work required of the animal, the 
state of weather existing, hardness of roads, etc. 

Every nail driven into the wall of the hoof destroys 
a certain number of horn fibers and thus tends to 



8 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

weaken the main weight-bearing part of the foot. 

The shoe raises the frog from the ground and elim- 
inates more or less the functions of the horny frog 
and elastic structures. This is much more noticeable 
with the; calk shoe than with the plain or plate shoe. 
This is just one of the many points which should be 
understood and considered at the time of shoeing or 
reshoeing animals. How often is the shoer required 
to put a set of calk shoes on an animal when it is not 
only unnecessary, but decidedly objectionable. The 
horse-owner has perhaps had his animals "rough" shod 
all winter and fails to remember that the slippery con- 
dition of the roads ceased with the coming of sum- 
mer. Here he has a chance to help Nature by getting 
the horse's foot down on the ground, but he continues 
the shoeing which does the feet the greatest harm. 
How many thousands of cases of lame and footsore 
animals could be avoided each year by an intelligent 
consideration of the shoeing of our horses. 

Before going further into the discussion of scien- 
tific shoeing, I want to say a few words "direct" to 
the horse-owner, the master horseshoer, the journey- 
man, and the horseshoer's apprentice. But I don't 
want any of them to stop with the reading of this 
"direct appeal/' I want each and every one of them to 
carefully read and study the remaining chapters in this 
manual. If this is done, I will feel that I am repaid 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing q 

for many years spent in the work and study of scien- 
tific horseshoeing. And I will also feel that the con- 
dition of many of our poor horses has been improved 
by the practice of some, if not all, of the principles 
laid down in this work. 

To the Horse-Ozvner: It is considered most de- 
sirable that every horse-owner and trainer should 
thoroughly understand the theory of shoeing. It is 
hoped that the readers of this book may be placed in a 
position to know when their horses are in need of the 
sheer's care, and when the shoer has done his work 
properly. 

The United States Government has at last realized 
the importance of proper shoeing, and every year some 
twenty-five officers of the Mounted Service are sent 10 
a school for a course of practical and theoretical horse- 
shoeing. That the sendee is greatly benefited there- 
by is apparent to anyone who may have an opportunity 
to examine the the feet of the army horses. 

The foot is the most complicated part of the horse 
and is most susceptible to injury and disease. 

The old maxim, "No foot no horse, " is true. Nat- 
ure's work in the construction of the foot w r as mar- 
velous. The horny frog, situated between the bars in 
the lower surface of the foot, acts as a buffer or cush- 
ion to break the jar and concussion when the foot 
strikes the ground, thus avoiding injury to the various 



io Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

parts contained within the foot. It also assists the 
circulation of the blood through the foot. And proper 
circulation of the blood is necessary if the foot is to be 
kept in a sound and healthy condition. 

Shoeing in such a way as to keep the foot as near 
a state of Nature, and at the same time to protect it 
from too rapid wear on hard roads, should be the aim 
of every horse-owner. It is economy to take proper 
care of the feet. There is nothing saved by insisting 
on having heavy or calked shoes put on your horses 
simply to get more wear out of them. You may cut 
down the shoeing bill, but the veterinarian's account in 
caring for your horse's neglected and damaged feet 
will make it a mighty expensive practice. By allow- 
ing the feet to accumulate an excessive growth of 
horn, and by the continued use of the calk shoe, the 
horny frog and elastic structures cannot perform their 
proper functions. A diseased condition of the foot is 
the result. 

Front feet, on account of the amount of concussion 
they receive, are more susceptible to injury than are 
the hind. 

Contracted heels, corns, quarter and toe cracks, 
side bones, etc., are the diseases most common in cases 
where the proper shoeing of the feet is not attended 
to. As a result of this neglect, the animal depreciates 
in value, and in many cases it is necessary to lay the 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 1 1 

horse up for treatment at considerable expense and 
much inconvenience. 

This might be avoided by giving the feet more 
careful attention Though it may cost a trifle more 
for shoeing, it is money saved in the long run. A 
light shoe is better than a heavy one, for the reason 
that the heavier the shoe the more labor on the ten- 
dons and ligaments and the more readily the horse be- 
comes fatigued. Fatigue induces stumbling and inter- 
ference of the limbs. 

The lightest shoe that will wear for a reasonable 
length of time is the best shoe to use. 

The plain shoe is better than the calked, as it keeps 
the foot nearer a state of nature and allows the dif- 
ferent parts to properly perform their functions. 

This statement is often made: "My horse cannot" 
stand up on city pavements without calks on account 
of its ^Upj^ing." I have found by experience that un- 
der ordinary conditions a horse will stand up as well 
with the plain shoes as with calks. This applies par- 
ticularly to the front feet. In case of heavy draft- 
horses, shoe plain in front and calks on the hind shoes. 
Most of the propelling is done with the hind feet. 

A horse that is accustomed to wearing calks will be 
a little timid at first on pavements with the plain shoe, 
but will soon get used to them and travel easier and 
better than with the former. 



12 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

The shoes should be removed and the feet trimmed 
once a month. If the shoes are not worn, have them 
reset. Many horse-owners think that as long as the 
shoes stay on the feet the horse does not need shoeing. 

The average growth of a healthy hoof is about 
three-eighths of an inch per month. The horn fibers 
of the wall grow downward and forward, in a straight 
line, at an angle of from 43 to 55 degrees. The hoof 
is bell-shaped ; its lower border, or bearing edge, being 
the greatest in circumference. The shoe is fitted to 
the outline of this border, except at the heels where it 
is fitted a trifle fuller to allow for the expansion of the 
quarters and heels. As the wall grows the circumfer- 
ence of the foot becomes greater, and in time it over- 
grows the shoe, causing corns, contracted feet, and 
other diseases. The foot is continually changing in 
shape, w T hile the shoe is not. 

The horse that is turned out to pasture or worked 
barefooted should have its feet trimmed frequently 
(every three weeks), as the wear of the feet is not 
always uniform. This unevenness of the hoof throws 
the foot out of its natural position and in many cases 
causes injury to the foot and leg by an unequal distri- 
bution of "weight on the horn structures and an over- 
taxing or straining of the tendons and ligaments. 

The feet of the growing colt should be kept level 
and the edges of the wall rounded to prevent break- 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 13 

ing; thus we avoid deformity of the feet and enlarge- 
ments of the limbs. By doing this the feet will also 
be in a condition for shoeing when the animal is sent 
to the shoer for its first shoeing. Again, the colt, by 
having its feet frequently handled when young, will 
not resist the shoer, as many young animals do. Many 
young animals are spoiled in the first shoeing. A 
horse should be trained for shoeing just the same as it 
is trained for driving or riding. 

Most of the horses that are classed as refractory 
while being shod have been brought to this condition 
by improper handling when green and unaccustomed 
to the sights and sounds of a shoeing shop. It is as 
much the duty of the horse-owner and the horseshoer 
to gradually train a young horse to submit to shoeing 
as it is to give him medicine when sick. Summary 
methods not only ruin the horse's disposition, but sub- 
ject the shoer to constant danger of injury. The first 
step should be to teach the young animal that raising 
his feet will do him no harm. This should be taught 
by the horse-owner or a competent assistant before the 
horse ever enters a shoeing shop. 

To raise the fore foot, stand with your back to the 
animal's head and place your inside hand on its shoul- 
der; then bend over and run your hand gently down 
the back of the leg until the fingers, with the thumb on 
the outside, are just above the fetlock; your shoulder 



14 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

is pressed against the shoulder of the horse and forces 
the animal's weight upon the opposite fore foot. A 
slight grasp of the hand is usually sufficient to induce 
the horse to raise the foot. 

To raise the hind foot, one should stand at the 
horse's flank with his back to the animal's head and 
his outside foot advanced; the hand nearest the horse 
is placed upon the animal's hip, gently pushing the 
weight upon the opposite leg; meanwhile the other 
hand is run slowly down the back tendons below the 
hock ; the leg is grasped under the fetlock and is slight- 
ly raised forward; now swing your inside leg under 
the house's leg and extend it to the rear as in the 
position for shoeing. When the young horse surren- 
ders his foot, lower it gently and pat him. After the 
horse gets accustomed to having his feet handled, be- 
gin to get him familiar with the hammer by tapping 
gently on his feet with the brush or currycomb. 

The next step is to let the horse grow accustomed 
to the shop. While the shoer is at work on a quiet 
horse, the young animal should be led into the shop 
and held by the person who has been taking care of it 
and who has been raising its feet. The animal should 
not be tied. When the animal shows neither timidity 
nor excitement, the shoer may begin work on the feet. 
Frequently the removal of the surplus growth of horn 
is all that can be accomplished without excitement or 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 15 

resistance. At the first sign of either, work for that 
day should be abandoned and the horse removed 
from the shop. Patient, quiet work will eventually 
succeed, and thereafter each shoeing is more easily 
accomplished. 

To the Master Horseshoer: In order to shoe 
horses intelligently, the shoer should have a thorough 
knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the foot. 
Many men engaged in shoeing, and who believe them- 
selves to be first-class workmen, are almost entirely at 
sea when mention is made of "the sensitive structures/' 
"the elastic structures," etc. A thorough and system- 
atic study of the contents of this book, if done by every 
shoer, would be of untold benefit to the shoers them- 
selves, to the horse-owner, and to the horse. 

Every shop should have several sets of the bones 
composing the horse's foot — the bones from the fet- 
lock joint down. A vertical section of the foot and 
pastern (See Plate II.) should also be part of the shop's 
equipment. This can so easily be accomplished that 
the failure to do so would be sufficient excuse for any 
horse-owner reading this book to take his shoeing 
away from the shop not so equipped to a place where 
the master workman has shown a desire to maintain 
or increase his knowledge, and also that of his work- 
men, in the theory and practice of horseshoeing. 

These specimens may easily be obtained in any city 



1 6 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

or town in the country. Horses, like men, are dying 
or being killed every day. Ask the man who has just 
lost a horse to give you a couple of legs,, and tell him 
why you want them. He would respect the interest 
thus shown by you in your trade, and he will probably 
want to ask you a question or two. All this leads him 
to your place of business with his shoeing. 

After obtaining the feet, they can be prepared on 
your own time. Take the neatest and most symmetri- 
cal foot and, after removing it from the upper limb at 
the fetlock joint, clip the hair close. Then put it in a 
vise with the bearing surface of the foot down. Select 
a sharp hand-saw (or a butcher's saw) and begin at 
the top of the os suffraginis and cut the foot into two 
equal parts, the cut being guided so as to pass directly 
through (not across) the cleft of the frog. After this 
has been done, clean the parts with a solution of bi- 
chloride of mercury and put them away in a box of 
salt for a couple of months. At the end of this time 
get your foot out, clean it up, and let it become thor- 
oughly dried out. The bones of the foot can be boiled 
out, cleaned, and allowed to dry. Your friend the 
veterinarian can give you advice and suggestions in 
preparing these specimens. 

It is to your advantage, and also that of the horse- 
owner, to talk over the shoeing of all animals coming 
into your shop. Get the owner interested in the shoe- 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 17 

ing of his animal by asking him how it travels, wheth- 
er it strikes or stumbles, and numerous other questions 
occurring to you from time to time. Explain to him 
the necessity for bringing the animal to> the shop reg- 
ularly for reshoeing. The feet need attention, wheth- 
er the shoes are badly worn or not. 

Encourage your journeymen in the study of the 
anatomy and physiology of the foot. It will repay 
you tenfold. Your apprentice, the horseshoer of the 
future, should have his interest in the work frequently 
stimulated. See that he is started right in his study 
of the anatomy and physiology of the foot, in the 
shoeing for gaits, etc., as well as in his mechanical 
work. Then watch him "grow up." 

A kind word of encouragement now and then is 
almost as good as an advance in pay. When one keeps 
his apprentice interested in his work it is soon found 
that he rapidly increases his value to the employer. 
If he does not show ability for this class of work,, after 
a reasonable period of trial, inform him of the fact 
and advise him to try something else. 

To improve the personnel of the calling, we must 
start at the bottom. Be particular in the selection of 
the timber for our shoers-to-be and exceedingly care- 
ful in their training. This would gradually eliminate 
the "cut-rater/' as he is usually a man who is not a 
shining light in the profession. 



1 8 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

To the Journeyman: There is more to the art of 
shoeing than even the average mechanic realizes, while 
the average horse-owner simply realizes that the horse 
wears shoes, and that these shoes must occasionally be 
replaced. Shoeing, like a few other professions, is 
one in which perfection is most difficult to attain. 

The horseshoer is either improving his work with 
practice and study or he is falling behind ; there is no 
such thing as remaining stationary in this art. The 
energetic and ambitious men are advancing, and we 
know what becomes of the other kind — perhaps he is 
driving a team some place, working in a boiler factory, 
or has gone back to the farm. If a job is worth doing 
at all, it is worth doing well. The shoer cannot be too 
particular in performing his work, even to< the most 
minute detail. Great care should be taken fn the 
preparation of the feet. There is more science in lev- 
eling and balancing the foot than in the fitting and 
nailing on of the shoe. 

In order to level a foot, the shoer must first be able 
to determine "when the foot is level." This is not an 
easy matter, and in cases of deformed feet it is a 
decidedly difficult piece of work. Upon reading this, 
please question yourself as to whether you can abso- 
solutely level a foot. Read the chapter on "Normal 
Shoeing," and then examine your first job and deter- 
mine the question. I believe that it is safe to say that 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing iq 

fifty per cent of the animals shod are turned out with 
at least two feet which are not level. 

To the Apprentice: To become a successful horse- 
shoer, the apprentice should possess the following 
qualifications : first, a fondness for horses ; second, 
patience and an even temperament ; third, natural me- 
chanical tendency; fourth, determination to overcome 
difficulties. 

Cultivate patience in the handling of horses. Much 
more can be accomplished with kindness than by abus- 
ive treatment of animals. 

The beginner is awkward in holding and working 
on the foot and the animal becomes tired and fretful. 
The animal endeavors to get away, but instead of 
losing your temper and blaming the horse, remember 
that the fault is with you. Speak quietly to the horse, 
and move around him slowly. Talking in a loud and 
boisterous manner, or approaching him with a rush, 
will only add to his excitement and make it more diffi- 
cult for you to handle him. 

Be observing of the work going on around you. 
Your education is obtained principally in this manner, 
the workmen having but little time to devote to your 
detailed instruction. 

When given a piece of work to perform, take time 
to do it well, not slighting it in the smallest detail. 



20 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

Try to do each piece of work better than the preced- 
ing one. 

Do not try to advance too rapidly, as this is gen- 
erally to the detriment of performing good work. 

Acquaint yourself with each part of the work thor- 
oughly before attempting something new. Your fu- 
ture ability depends on the thoroughness with whic 1 i 
you have learned in the beginning. Accuracy first, 
then acquire speed. 

You cannot start too soon on the study of the anat- 
omy and physiology of the horse's feet. Continue this 
with your practical work. 

Do not make the mistake of leaving one employer 
for another before the expiration of your apprentice- 
ship. Different methods prevail in different shops 
and the apprentice is liable to become confused as to 
the correct way of shoeing. 

Though progress is slow, and the pay not very 
large, it is worth your time and energy. 

Make up your mind to become a first-class shoer, 
or find some other occupation. 



CHAPTER II. 
Anatomy. 

By anatomy of the foot and leg is meant a descrip- 
tion of the various parts entering into its formation; 
and by physiology if meant the functions or uses of 
these parts. 

For pathological shoeing and shoeing for gaits it is 
essential that the horseshoer should thoroughly under- 
stand the anatomy and physiology of the leg and foot, 
both front and hind. For normal shoeing all shoersmust 
have unquestionable knowledge of the construction and 
workings of the feet from the fetlock to the ground, 
if the work is to be done in an intelligent manner. 
Study should begin with the framework of the legs, 
the joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons, sensitive, 
elastic and horny structures, the circulatory and nerv- 
ous systems, and the expansion and contraction of the 
foot, etc., being taken up in their natural sequence. 

Bones of the Legs : Named in the order from above 
downward, the bones of the fore leg are the scapula, 
humerus, radius, ulna, carpus, large metacarpal and two 
small metacarpals. Two small sesamoids form part of 
the fetlock joint and we will consider them as belong- 
ing to the upper leg. In the hind leg, naming them in 
the same manner (from above downwards) as was 



22 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

done for the fore leg, we have the femur, the patella, 
tibia and accessory leg bone called the fibula, the tar- 
sus (six bones of the hock), consisting of the astrag- 
alus, calcaneum, cuboid, cuneiform medium, magnum 
and parvum, large metatarsal, two small metatarsal 
bones, and the two sesamoids. 

Joints. 

A joint is that part or space included between two 
articulations. Over the adjacent surfaces in the joint 
is a thin and very smooth layer of articular cartilage. 
A lubricating fluid, synovia, joint oil, is required to 
reduce the amount of friction ; this fluid is formed by 
the synovial membrane and the latter is confined and 
protected by the capsular ligament which completely 
surrounds the joint. Outside of the capsular ligament 
are binding ligaments holding the bones in position. 

Joints of the fore leg are: shoulder joint, formed 
by the lower end of the scapula and the head of the 
humerus ; elbozv joint, by the radius, ulna, and humer- 
us; knee joint, by the radius, seven small bones (car- 
pals), and the upper end of the metacarpals; fetlock 
joint, by the large cannon, upper pastern bone, and the 
two sesamoids; pastern joint y by the upper and lower 
pastern bones ; coffin joint, by the lower pastern, coffin 
bone, and shuttle bone. 

Joints of the hind leg: hip joint, formed by the 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

Fig. i. Fig. 2. 



27 




L.- 



Plate I 



FORELEG: 

A, cartilage of prolongation; B, 
scapula: C, humerus; D, ulna; 
E, radius; F, carpus; G, small 
metacarpal; H, large metacar- 
pal; I, os suffraginis; J, sesa- 
moid; K, os coronae; L, os pedis; 
M, os navicularis. 



HIND LEG: 

i, pelvis; 2, ischium; 3, femur: 
4, patella; 5, tibia; 6. fibula; 7, 
tarsus; 8, small metatarsal; 9, 
large metatarsal; 10, sesamoid: 
n, os suffraginis: 12, os coronae: 
13, os pedis; 14, os navicularis. 



24 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

socket of the pelvis and the head of the femur; stifle 
joint, by the lower end of the femur, head of the tibia, 
and the patella; hock joint, by the lower end of the 
tibia, six small bones (tarsals), and the upper ends of 
the metatarsals.; 

Ligaments. 

Ligaments are, generally speaking, strong bands of 
white fibrous inelastic tissue. Their principal use is 
to firmly bind joints together, thus preventing vibra- 
tion and diminishing friction. 

The suspensory ligament is a long, strong band of 
fibrous tissue originating in the back part of the lower 
bones of the knee and in the upper) part of the large 
metacarpal bone; it occupies the space between the 
small metacarpal bones and passes down immediately 
behind the large metacarpal bone, lying between it and 
the tendon of the flexor pedis perforans; it Bifurcates 
opposite the lower third of the large metacarpal bone 
and becomes attached to the sesamoids, whence the 
parts pass forward and downward, joining the tendon 
of the extensor pedis just above the pastern joint. It 
is thin and comparatively weak near the knee, but as 
it nears the fetlock joint, it almost equals the back 
tendons in substance, and its size and wiriness to the 
touch may be taken as an indication of the power of 
any particular leg to resist a breakdown. 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 25 

However, this ligament is liable to numerous acci- 
dents and it is often found to be badly sprained. 

The suspensory ligament of the hind leg corre- 
sponds in every particular to that of the fore leg. 

The calcaneo-cuboid ligament stretches from the 
posterior border of the calcaneum to the posterior part 
of the cuboid, ending on the head of the external splint 
bone. A sprain of this ligament is known as a "curb." 

Capsular ligaments, as we have seen, are pouch- 
shaped, are found around joints, and are intended to 
protect the lubricating apparatus inside. 

Muscles and Tendons. 

The muscles of the limbs are known as voluntary 
muscles and they are under the direct control of the 
will. They are also classed as long muscles. 

A tendon is a tough cord or band of dense, inelas- 
tic, white fibrous connective tissue, uniting a muscle 
with some other part and transmitting the force which 
the muscle exerts. 

Extensors are those that have the power of 
straightening the limb; flexors, of bending the limb. 

The extensor pedis tendon is the principal extensor 
of the fore leg; it originates at the lower extremity of 
the humerus, and its fleshy portion continues to the 
lower third of the radius; at this point it becomes ten- 
dinous, and, passing down over the knee, continues 



26 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

along the front of the leg and becomes attached to the 
upper and front part of the os pedis. 

The flexor pedis perforatum originates from the 
inner and lower part of the humerus ; it passes down 
the back part of the leg, becoming tendinous just 
above the carpus; behind the pastern it bifurcates, 
forming a ring for the passage of the tendon of the 
perforans, and becomes attached to the sides of the os 
coronse. Its action is to bend or flex the knee, fetlock, 
and pastern. 

The flexor pedis perforans originates with the per- 
f oratus ; its fleshy portion passes down and is attached 
to the back part of the radius; its tendinous portion, 
beginning at the knee, passes down the leg between the 
large metacarpal bone and the tendon of the perf oratus, 
over the back of the fetlock, through the arch formed 
by the division of the tendon of the perf oratus, and is 
attached to the under surface of the os pedis. Its 
action is to flex the knee and all joints below. 

The extensor pedis of the hind leg originates from 
the lower and front part of the femur ; its fleshy por- 
tion extends downward along the front surface of the 
tibia to the hock, where it becomes tendinous ; passing 
thence down the front of the leg, it is attached in the 
same manner as the extensor pedis of the front leg. 
Its action is to extend the leg and flex the hock. 

The flexor pedis perf oratus of the hind leg origi- 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 27 

nates at the back and lower part of the femur. Its 
fleshy portion extends about half-way down the tibia, 
then becomes tedinous, and passes over the point of 
the hock, continues down the back of the leg, and is 
attached in the same manner as the perforatus of the 
front leg. Its action is to extend the hock and to flex 
the fetlock and pastern. 

The flexor pedis perforans of the hind leg origi- 
nates at the upper and back portion of the tibia. 
Above the hock it becomes tendinous and passing 
down over the inner and back side of the hock is at- 
tached to the os pedis in the same manner as the per- 
forans of the front limb. Its action is to extend the 
hock and to flex the joints below. 

The Foot. 

We have considered that "the foot" includes all 
that part of the limb from the fetlock joint to the 
ground. 

For the study and consideration of the foot, wc 
will divide it into the following parts : 

1. The bones and certain elastic structures of car- 
tilage and fat. 

2. The highly sensitive flesh, which covers the 
framework. 

3. The box or case of horn, called the hoof, which 
incloses and protects the internal structures. 



28 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

Bones of the Foot. 

The bones of the foot form a column extending 
downward from the fetlock into the hoof, and are 
named as follows: os suffraginis (long pastern bone), 
os coronae (short pastern bone), os pedis (coffin 
bone), and os nazncularis (shuttle bone). 

The os suffraginis is about one-third as long as the 
metacarpal bolne and reaches from the fetlock joint 
above to the pastern joint below; its upper end shows 
a shallow cavity on each side, separated in the middle 
by a deep groove, and into this surface fits the lower 
end of the metacarpal bone. The lower end is much 
smaller and narrower than the upper; on each side is 
a small convex surface, the two surfaces being sepa- 
rated in the middle by a shallow groove. This ex- 
tremity meets the upper end of the os coronae and 
forms the pastern joint. 

The os coronae follows the direction of the os suf- 
fraginis downward and forward and lies between the 
pastern and coffin joints, its lower end being within 
the hoof. 

Its superior surface shows a shallow cavity on each 
side, with a ridge between them to fit the lower end of 
the os suffraginis. The lower surface of this bone 
shows a convex part on each side, separated by a 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing zq 

groove, to fit the upper surface of the coffin Bone in 
the coffin joint. 

The os pedis is an irregular bone, situated entirely 
within the hoof, and is similar to it in shape. 

The front surface is known as the wall surface; it 
shows a number of small openings, called foramina, 
for the passage of blood-vessels and nerves, and is 
roughened to give attachment to the soft sensitive lam- 
inae covering it. At the top of this surface, in front, 
is a ridge called the pyramidal process, to which is at- 
tached the extensor pedis tendon. 

The upper surface helps to form the coffin joint 
and is called the articular surface ; it shows two cavi- 
ties, separated by a ridge. 

The lower surface is half-moon-shaped, concave 
and smooth, and is covered by a sensitive sole. This 
surface is sometimes spoken of as the "sole surface." 

Just back of the articular surface is a small trian- 
gular surface to fit the os navicularis bone. 

Just back of the sole is a rough surface, to which 
is attached the flexor pedis perf orans tendon ; it is 
called the tendinous surface. 

On each side of this surface is a groove running 
forward and terminating in an opening, called the 
plantar foramen; an artery and a nerve enter the bone 
and a vein leaves it through this opening. 

On each side of the os pedis, extending backward, 



30 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

is a prolongation, called the wing. Each wing is 
divided by a notch and then by a groove, which runs 
forward on the outside of the bone ; an artery lies in 
this notch and groove. 

The os navicularis is an irregular bone situated be- 
hind and below the os coronse and behind the os pedis, 
articulating with both bones. Its long axis is perpen- 
dicular to the axis of the foot. The extremities of the 
bone are attached to the wings of the os pedis; the 
lower surface is covered with cartilage, which forms a 
smooth surface for the movements of the tendon of 
the flexor pedis perforans muscle. 

Elastic Structures of the Foot. 

All of the parts of the foot, except the bones, are 
more or less elastic or "springy"; but certain parts 
have a verfy high degree of elasticity, their special use 
being to overcome the effects of concussion or jar 
when the foot strikes the ground and to prevent injury. 
These parts are referred to as the elastic structures of 
the foot. They are the lateral cartilages and plantar 
cushion, or fatty frog, as it is sometimes called. 

The lateral cartilages are thin plates of cartilage, 
one attached to the top of each wing of the os pedis, 
and extending backward and upward so far that their 
upper borders may be felt under the skin above the 
coronet at the heels. 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 31 

The plantar cushion is a very elastic wedge-shaped 
pad, which fills up the space between the two lateral 
cartilages on the sides, the sensitive frog below, and 
the flexor pedis perforans tendon above. 

The point or anterior part of the plantar cushion 
extends forward to the ridge which separates the sole 
from the tendinous surface of the os pedis. The base 
is covered by the skin above the heels. 

Sensitive Structures of the Foot. 

Over the bones and elastic structures of the foot is 
found a complete covering of very sensitive flesh, and 
from each part of this covering some part of the hoof 
is secreted or formed. The divisions of this layer of 
flesh are called the sensitive structures of the foot. 
They are the coronary band, sensitive laminae, sensi- 
tive sole, sensitive frog, and the perioplic rin^. This 
ring is sometimes called the "coronary frog band." 

The coronary band is a thick convex band of tougn 
flesh, about four-fifths of an inch wide, and extends 
entirely around the top of the hoof from one bulb of 
the heel to the other; in front it is attached to the 
extensor pedis tendon, and on the sides to ligaments of 
the coffin joint, to the lower end of the os coronse, and 
to the lateral cartilages. The surface of the coronary 
band is covered with small pointed projections or villi. 



32 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

The coronary band secretes or forms the principal part 
(middle layer) of the wall of the hoof. 

The sensitive laminae (sometimes called fleshy 
leaves) cover and are firmly attached to the wall sur- 
face of the os pedis and to the lower part of the outer 
surface of the lateral cartilages. These delicate leaves 
of the flesh dovetail into the horny laminae which they 
secrete, and with them serve to fasten the wall of the 
hoof to the os pedis and to the lateral cartilages. 

The sensitive sole covers the sole surface of the os 
pedis, is covered with villi, and secretes the horny sole. 

The sensitive frog covers the lower surface of the 
plantar cushion, and from its villi the horny frog is 
grown. ( 

The perioplic ring is a narrow band of flesh run- 
ning around just above the coronary band and sep- 
arated from it by a faint groove. From the fine villi on 
the surface of this ring the delicate fibers grow which 
form the periople. 

The Hoof, 

The box or case of horn., called the hoof, which in- 
closes and protects the other structures of the foot, is 
divided into three parts — wall, sole, and frog. In a 
healthy foot these parts are solidly united. 

The wall is the part seen when the foot is on the 
ground; it extends from the edge of the hair to the 




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Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 33 

ground and is divided into the toe, quarters, heels, and 
bars; it has an internal surface, an external surface, 
and an upper and a lower border. 

The toe is the front part of the wall in front of 
the first nail hole on either side. It is steeper in the 
hind foot than in the fore. The quarters extend back- 
ward from the toe to the point where the bar leaves 
the wall in an inward and forward direction. The 
heel or buttress is that part of the wall back of the 
point where the bar leaves it, and the bar is the divi- 
sion of the wall running from the heel to within about 
one inch of the point or apex of the frog. It lies be- 
tween the horny sole and the frog. (See Plate IV.) 

The external surface of the wall is covered by a 
thin varnish-like coat of fine horn, called; the periople. 

The internal surface of the wall is covered by from 
500 to 600 thin plates or leaves of horn, called the 
horny laminae. Between the horny laminae, which 
run parallel to each other and in a direction downward 
and forward, there are fissures into which dovetail the 
sensitive laminae, and this union binds the wall of the 
hoof to the os pedis and lateral cartilages. 

The upper border of the wall shows a deep groove 
(coronary groove) into which fits the coronary band. 

The lower border is called the "bearing edge" (or 
"spread" in the unshod foot) and is the part to which 
the shoe is fitted. 



34 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

The horny sole is a thick plate of horn, somewhat 
half-moon-shaped, and has two surfaces and two 
borders. j 

The upper surface is convex (bulging upward) 
and is in union with the sensitive sole from which the 
horny sole grows. The lower surface is concave and 
is covered with scale or crusts of dead horn, which 
gradually loosen and fall off. 

The outer border of the sole joins the inner part of 
the lower border of the w r all by means of a ring of 
soft horn, called the white line. This mark or line is 
sometimes called the guide line, as it shows where the 
nail should be started in shoeing. 

The inner border is a V-shaped notch and is in 
union with! the bars, except at its narrow part where 
it joins the frog. 

The horny sole protects the sensitive sole and 
should not, in a healthy foot, bear weight, except a 
very narrow border at the white line, an eighth or 
tenth of an inch in width. 

The horny frog is the wedge-shaped mass of horn 
filling up the triangular space between the bars. The 
lower surface shows two prominent ridges, separated 
behind by a cavity, called the cleft, and joining in front 
at the apex or point of the frog; these ridges termin- 
ate behind in the bulbs of the frog. Between the sides 
of the frog and the bars are two cavities, called the 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 35 

commissures. The upper surface of the horny frog is 
the exact reverse of the lower and shows in the mid- 
dle a ridge of horn, called the frog stay, which assists 
in forming a firm union between the horny and sensi- 
tive frog. The horny frog serves to break the jar or 
concussion by acting as a cushion or pad; it also pro- 
tects the sensitive frog and prevents the foot from 
slipping. 

Structure of Horn. 

The horn of the hoof presents a fibrous appearance 
and consists of very fine horn fibers or tubes, similar 
to hairs, running downward and forward and held to- 
gether by a cementing substance. The horn fibers of 
wall, sole, and frog all run in the same direction*, down- 
ward and forward, the only difference being that those 
of the frog are much finer and softer and run in wavy 
lines, whereas the fibers of wall and sole are straight. 

The horn fibers grow from the small villi, which 
cover the surfaces of the coronary band, sensitive sole, 
and sensitive frog. 

Circulation of Blood Through the Foot. 

The large metacarpal of the fore leg and the great 
metatarsal of the hind leg each divides just above the 
fetlock into two branches. These branches are called 



36 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

the external and internal digital arteries, one on the in- 
ner and one on the outer side of the fetlock joint. 
They follow the borders of the flexor tendons down- 
ward and terminate inside of the wings of the os pedis. 
Each of the internal and external digital arteries gives 
off five branches — the perpendicular, transverse, art- 
ery of the frog, pre plantar ungual, and plantar ungual. 

The perpendicular artery is given off at right an- 
gles about the middle of the os suffraginis, descends on 
the side of the pastern, bends forward and joins with 
the aitery of the same name from the opposite side 
and forms the superficial coronary arch. From this 
arch branches descend to the coronary band. 

The transverse artery comes off under the upper 
border of the lateral cartilage, runs forward, and joins 
its fellow from the opposite side between the extensor 
pedis tendon and the os coronse. The deep coronary 
arch is the name given to this arrangement of the art- 
eries, and branches from this arch also supply the cor- 
onary band. 

The artery of the frog rises behind the pastern 
joint at the upper border of the lateral cartilage. It 
has two branches — a posterior, which runs back and 
supplies the bulb of the heel, and an anterior, which 
runs forward and downward through the plantar cush- 
ion and supplies the sensitive frog. ■ 

The pre plantar ungual artery is given off inside the 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 37 

wing of the os pedis, passes through the preplantar 
notch, and runs forward along the preplantar groove 
on the side of the hone. It helps supply the sensitive 
laminae with blood and sends some small branches into 
the bone to join branches from other arteries. 

The plantar ungual artery is the terminal or last 
branch of the digital artery (is a continuation! of that 
artery) and enters the os pedis at the plantar foramen. 

The two plantar ungual arteries run forward with- 
in the bone and unite to form the circulus arteriosus. 
From this circle spring ascending and descending 
branches, which supply the sensitive laminae and sensi- 
tive sole. The ascending branches, called the anterior 
laminal arteries, leave the bone through the small 
openings (foramina) and supply the sensitive laminae 
in front. The descending branches, called the inferior 
communicating arteries, are about fourteen in number 
and emerge from the bone by the openings just above 
its lower edge ; they unite to form a large trunk, run- 
ning around the toe of the os pedis, called the circum- 
flex artery, and this artery gives off ascending and 
descending branches. The ascending branches pass 
into the sensitive laminae, and the descending branches, 
called the solar arteries, numbering about fourteen, 
run backward through the sensitive sole to form a sec- 
ond circle, called the inferior circumflex artery, 

The veins of the foot are arranged in networks, 



38 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

each network or plexus named from the part in which 
it is located. The solar plexus is found running all 
through the sensitive sole. The laminal plexus runs 
through and under the sensitive laminae. The coro- 
nary plexus surrounds the os coronse and upper part 
of the os pedis, just under the coronary band. 

The veins of the frog are those found in the plantar 
cushion and sensitive frog; the interosseous veins 
form a network within the os pedis. The veins of the 
foot all unite above to form a large trunk, called the 
digital vein, which runs along the digital antery and 
carries the blood back toward the heart. The veins of 
the foot are valveless below the middle of the pastern, 
an arrangement which allows the blood to flow in eith- 
er direction when pressure is applied, and thus pre- 
vents injury. 

Nerves of the Foot. 

The nerves of the foot supply feeling or the sense 
of touch to the parts. The large nerve cord on either 
side of the limb divides at the fetlock joint into three 
branches, called the digital nerves — the anterior, the 
posterior, and the middle. 

The anterior digital nerve passes downward and 
forward and supplies the anterior or front part of the 
foot. 

The posterior digital nerve, the largest of the three, 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 39 

passes down behind the digital artery to supply the 
structures in the posterior part of the foot. "It gives 
off a branch which passes through the notch in the 
wing of the os pedis (in company with the preplantar 
ungual artery) to supply some of the sensitive laminae; 
it also sends branches into the os pedis with the plantar 
ungual artery. 

The middle branch is very small, is said to always 
join the anterior branch, and supplies the sensitive sole 
and fetlock pad. 

The functions of most of the parts of the foot 
have been mentioned in passing, but there are some 
points in connection with the physiology of the foot 
which need to be explained more in detail. 

Expansion* and Contraction. 

When weight comes upon the leg, the os pedis 
descends slightly and causes the sole to descend and 
flatten. The plantar cushion and horny frog are com- 
pressed between the ground below) and the structures 
above; this compression causes them to spread out 
sidewise, carrying outward the lateral cartilages and 
bars and the wall at the quarters. This is called ex- 
pansion. When welight is removed from the leg, the 
pantar cushion becomes thicker and narrower, and the 
lateral cartilages and quarters move inward to where 
they were before expanding. This is called contrac- 



40 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

Hon. The elastic lateral cartilage is merely a flexible 
extension of the wing of the os pedis and would ap- 
pear to have been specially designed for expansion and 
contraction at the quarters. It is also to be noted that 
the bars are a provision for this same purpose, since 
expansion and contraction could not take place if the 
wall formed a solid unbroken ring around the hoof. 
Without frog pressure, proper expansion is impossible. 
In addition to breaking the jar when the foot comes 
to the ground, the plantar cushion has another import- 
ant use. It assists in the circulation of the blood 
through the veins of tWe foot. When weight is placed 
upon the foot, the pressure on the plantar cushion 
forces the blood upward through the veins ; then, when 
the foot is lifted and the pressure is removed from the 
horny frog and plantar cushion, the veins of the frog 
again fill with blood, and this pumping action is re- 
peated with each step. Proof of this statement is seen 
when a digital vein is cut, by accident or in experiment. 
If the horse is walked, a jet of blood spurts out each 
time he! puts the fooit to the ground; but if he is al- 
lowed to stand, the blood flows in a steady stream from 
the vein. Much injury to the foot often results from 
starting the horse off suddenly at a fast gait on a hard 
road after he has been standing for some time or when 
he first comes out of the stable. The circulation and 
the structures of the foot should have time to gradual- 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 41 

ly adapt themselves to the change from rest to severe 
work. 

Moisture. 

The wall of the healthy hoof is, by weight, about 
one- fourth water, the sole more than one-third, and the 
frog almost one-half. This water is supplied by the 
blood and preserves the horn in a tough and elastic 
condition. The hood: , particularly the frog, is capable 
of absorbing moisture from the ground. The periople, 
which covers the wall, prevents the evaporation of 
water, and therefore should never be rasped. As there 
is no similar covering for the sole and the frog, the 
layers of horn on their exposed surfaces dry out and 
die. The dead layers are hard and brittle, and grad- 
ually fall or flake off. As they preserve the moisture 
in the layers of live horn beneath, they should not be 
removed in preparing the hoof for shoeing. 



CHAPTER III. 

Normal Shoeing. 

By normal shoeing is meant the shoeing of a sound 
foot of a horse with proper gaits. 

Preliminary Examinations. 

Three careful examinations should be made before 
old shoes are removed from the horse : 

1. Of the shape and position of the feet at rest. 

2. Of the evideince off wear in the old shoe. 

3. Of the action of the feet when the horse is in 
motion. 

For the first examination, the horse should stand 
at ease on the floor; the shape of each foot and leg 
should be observed from the front, from each side, 
and from the rear, care being exercised that the leg, at 
the time, is bearing its proper share of the animal's 
weight. 

The shoer first studies the natural pastern confor- 
mation. Is the pastern slanting inward, "toe in"? is 
it vertical, "straight"? or is it sloping outward, "toe 
out"? (See Plate III., Figs. 1, 2, and 3.) 

Having decided this point, he then studies the posi- 
tion of the "pastern axis" and the "foot axis." 



PASTERN CONFORMATION, 






1. TOE IN 



2. STRAIGHT 



3. TOE OUT 



PREPARATION OF THE HOOF. 







4. BROKEN OUT 



5. CORRECT 



6. BROKEN IN 



PASTERN CONFORMATION, 






7. SLOPING 8. REGULAR 9. STUMPY 

PREPARATION OF THE HOOF. 






10. BROKEN BACK 11. CORRECT 



12. BROKEN FORWARD 



PLATE III. — The Foot Axis and the Pastern Axis. 



44 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

As seen from the front, we may consider that the 
"pastern axis" is the imaginary line exactly splitting 
the pastern in two, and that the "foott axis" is the line 
exactly splitting the foot in two — that is, the line from 
the center of the toe to the center of the coronet. 

These two axes should be in prolongation or ap- 
pear to be o(ne straight line, no matter what the natural 
pastern conformation (see Figs, i, 2, 3, and 5), and if 
the shoer finds this condition satisfactory, he will sim- 
ply need to prepare the foot evenly for shoeing. But if 
the two axes do not appear as one straight line, there 
will be a break at the coronet. This is an indication 
that the foot was not level when last shod, and the 
horse is not standing correctly. If the line is "broken 
out" (Fig. 4), the prolongation of the pastern axis 
falls to the outside of the foot axis and the inner wall 
is too high ; the fault is remedied by removing more of 
the inside wall than of the outside. If tRe line is 
"broken in" (Fig. 6), the prolongation of the pastern 
axis falls to the inside of the foot axis and the outside 
wall is too high; it should be taken down more than 
the inside. The dotted lines in the figures show the 
amount to be trimmed off. 

It will be noticed that the "broken out" foot looks 
like the "toe in," and the "broken in" foot looks like 
the "toe out," but in the natural conformations there 
is no break at the coronet. 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 45 

Standing at the side, the shoer should notice the 
height of the foot, the length of the toe, and the slope 
of the line of the toe — that is, the front line of the 
hoof as seen from the side. 

Here, again, we have three cases of natural pastern 
conformation: The "sloping," the "regular" and the 
"stumpy," Figs. 7, 8, and 9; but the line) of the toe 
should, nevertheless, be parallel in each case to the 
pastern axis as seen from the side. 

By careful sighting from the side, draw a chalk 
line between the second and third clinches, with exact- 
ly the same slope as the line of the toe. This mark 
will generally have the same direction as the horn 
fibers. Now stand back and determine if this mark 
and the "pastern axis," as seen from the side, are one 
and the same line. If so, trim off the surplus growth 
evenly. If not, the line will be broken at the coronet. 
In "broken back," Fig. 10, the prolongation of the pas- 
tern axis (as seen from the side) falls to the rear of 
the foot axis and the toe is too high. It should be 
taken down more than the heel. In "broken forward" 
the prolongation] of the pastern axis falls in front of 
the foot axis and the heels are too high. They should 
be taken down more than the toe. 

The "broken back" looks like the sloping pastern 
and the "broken forward" looks like the stumpy pas- 



46 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

tern. The break at the coronet, however, is the sure 
guide. • i 

For the second examination, the foot must be 
raised. 

The wear of the old shoe should be carefully noted 
as a check 011 the preceding examination. If the shoe 
has worn evenly, its position on the foot was undoubt- 
edly correct. If one side of the shoe shows more 
wear, (a) that side may have been fitted too closely, 
(6) there may be some fault in gait, (c) the foot may 
not have been properly levelled in the last shoeing, 
(d) the quarters, as frequently happens, may have 
grown unevenly since the last shoeing. Horses with 
long, sloping pasterns wear the shoe more at the heel, 
while those with short, upright pasterns wear the shoe 
more at the toe. There is a slight scuff at the moment 
of breaking over which produces a normal wear at the 
toe, but overworked horses and those suffering from 
disease often show more than this normal wear. 

For the third examination, the horse, having free 
use of his head, should be led at a walk and at a slow 
trot upon level ground. Uneven ground will produce 
modifications of the natural gait, and a tight rein or a 
short hold on the halter shank will also alter the free, 
natural motion. The shoer assumes a squatting posi- 
tion and observes the feet as the horse is led past him, 
away from him, and towards him. The manner in 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 47 

which a foot leaves the ground, its path in the air, and 
the manner in which it is planted should be closely 
watched, in order to detect any of the defects of gait 
which can be remedied by intelligent shoeing. 

In cases where it is known that the animal to be 
shod has normal gaits, and the second examination 
has not indicated an abnormal breaking over of the 
feet, only the first two examinations need be made. 
In all doubtful cases the third examination should be 
made. 

Upon completion of a case of shoeing to correct 
some fault in gait (required by the third examination), 
the animal should be taken out and examined again at 
a wailk and trot. 

To Prepare the Foot. 

With the horse standing evenly on its f eet, examine 
the foot and pastern axes to determine the necessary 
changes, if any, to be made, besides the removal of the 
surplus growth of horn. 

In preparing to raise a horse's foot, never approach 
the animal suddenly, for he will only be startled. A 
sudden pull at his foot or leg will probably disturb his 
balance, and the raising of the foot will be more diffi- 
cult for both man and horse. The position for holding 
the foot for shoeing should be such that no unneces- 
sary strain is placed upon the horse; such as holding 



48 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

the foot and leg too far to the side, too far to the rear, 
or by holding them too high. Such positions make 
even the most quiet horses nervous and irritable; thev 
cannot endure the pain of the strain on their muscles 
and tendons, and will jump and pull the leg away from 
the shoer in an endeavor to get in a more comfortable 
position. The shoer usually lays the blame upon the 
horse, considering him fractious and difficult to shoe. 
The fault is with the shoer, and the manner of hand- 
ling the foot and legs, instead of the disposition of the 
horse. Loud or boisterous talking when working 
around horses is poor policy and should be avoided, 
as you excite the animal and make the work of shoe- 
ing doubly hard for yourself. Some horses, and par- 
ticularly those of good breeding, are of nervous tem- 
perament and unless handled with care are easily 
spoiled for shoeing. If you lose your temper in hand- 
ling a horse, walk away from him immediately and re- 
main away until you have regained control of yourself. 
The horse is aware of your condition, even before you 
are, and will struggle to get away for fear of getting 
hurt. Much more can be accomplished by kind treat- 
ment than by abuse. 

Then take the knife and pare away the dead horn 
near the white line until live horn is reached, being 
careful not to go farther back than the last nail hole. 
This is done to ascertain the amount of horn that may 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 49 

be removed and to facilitate the use of the nippers. 
The knife should never be used on the bars or the frog. 
The bars strengthen the hoof and assist in its expan- 
sion. Cutting therefore weakens them and prevents 
them from performing their function. Never use a 
knife on the hoof of a horse that has been running 
barefoot. The greatest care must be exercised in using 
the knife on flat feet, either natural or diseased. 

The foot is then leveled, the shoer using the nip- 
pers and rasp. 

The use of the nippers in preparing the foot for 
the shoe lessens the amount of rasping and does away 
with the use of the buttress. The nippers are superior 
to the buttress for this part of the work, being much 
easier and safer to operate. In preparing the foot for 
the shoe, the shoer has several important guides to as- 
sist him in this most particular operation : 

First. — The live horn at or near the white line. 

Second. — When the shoer can make the least im- 
pression with the thumbs, on the sole near the white 
line, the foot is down as much as it can be taken with 
safety. For this examination, take the foot in both 
hands and press with the thumbs near the white line ; if 
the sole yields ever so slightly, no more horn should be 
rasped away or lameness is liable to result. 

Third. — The size of the feet compared with the size 
and weight of the animal. There is a great difference 



50 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

in the thickness of the horny sole, between cup-shaped 
and flat feet. The cup- shaped foot, as a rule, grows 
faster than the flat foot, and the layers of horn as they 
dry out do not fall off; the sole being arched has a 
tendency to keep them from flaking off. With the flat 
foot the horny sole is less arched and the dead horn as 
it dries out readily flakes off. The horny sole of the 
flat foot is also naturally thinner than that of tha cup- 
shaped foot. Great care should be exercised in pre- 
paring the flat foot, for reasons given above. 

With some horses having flat feet, and the size be- 
ing out of proportion to the size of the horse (or too 
large), the feet are liable to make the animal clumsy 
in his gait. In cases of this kind, the feet should be 
taken down as much as conditions will permit, or until 
pressure is felt. With the cup-shaped foot sometimes 
the foot is too small in comparison with the size of the 
horse and should not be taken down until pressure is 
reached, as by so doing the foot is made too small to 
give proper support to the weight of the horse; the 
ground surface is not sufficiently large enough to 
steady the gait. 

The rasp will remove a sufficient amount of the 
dead horn on the sole and bars while leveling the bear- 
ing surface of the foot for the shoe. A certain amount 
of dead horn on the sole is essential to keep the live 
horn moist and flexible, also to protect the sensitive 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 5 1 

sole from bruising. If the knife is used on the sole 
and bars, the shoer is apt to remove too much horn ; 
the bars are weakened and the live horn of the sole is 
exposed, allowing the moisture to evaporate. The 
same is applicable to the horny frog. It should not be 
trimmed, with the exception of the removal of loose 
particles, but should be left to attain its full size. Ex- 
cessive trimming of the frog allows it to dry out and 
shrink up; it eventually becomes very hard, and in- 
stead of being a cushion to break the concussion, when 
the foot strikes the ground, it is similar to a rock 
which has wedged in between the bars, giving the 
horse pain with each step. 

Heavy horses with wide feet and horses raised on 
soft, marshy pastures usually have flat feet. The nat- 
ural flat foot, although particularly liable to bruises of 
the sole, must be classed as a sound foot and must be 
distinguished from one that is flat as a result of disease. 

On account of its shape, the natural flat foot is 
sometimes called "flare foot." The wall in such a foot 
wears away (or is trimmed away) at a more oblique 
angle than in the ordinary upright foot and it is there- 
fore frequently necessary, in the preparation, to re- 
move a part of the outer edge of the wall in order that 
the nails may be driven in the white line where they 
belong. 



52 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 




PLATE IV. 



[Preparation of the Foot. 

The foot ready for the new shoe, 
i, Toe; 2, Quarters; 3, Heels; 4, Bars. 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 53 

In General: The foot should be prepared so that 
it will approximate as nearly as possible to a state oi 
nature, and only such trimming should be done as is 
absolutely necessary for the purpose of fitting and 
securing the shoe. (See Plate IV.) 

There are many cases where the feet are not level 
(the foot and pastern axes do not coincide) at the time 
the horse is brought to the shop for shoeing. As al- 
ready explained, where the feet are not level, they 
show a condition of "broken in" or "broken out" when 
viewed from the front, or they may be "broken back" 
or "broken forward." The latter defect is noted when 
the foot and pastern axes are studied from the side. 
This lack of levelness may be due to an uneven growth 
of horn since the last shoeing, the horse may have cast 
a shoe and one side of the wall broken away, or the 
horse may have been running barefoot for a consid- 
erable length of time and one side receiving more wear 
than the other side. The benefit derived by the shoer 
in making the several examinations mentioned is that 
he at once obtains a knowledge as to what part of the 
foot should be first taken down. After taking down 
the high side to correspond to the low side, he can then 
determine how much, if any, the low side can be low- 
ered. In case the low side will stand taking down, the 
shoer removes the same amount of horn around the 
entire bearing surface. 



54 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

To determine the level of the foot, the shoer causes 
the horse to stand evenly on his feet and examines the 
foot and pastern axes, both from the front aqjd side. 
He should then raise the foot to a position for sighting 
over the bearing or ground surface; sight over each 
side separately, from the buttress to the toe, and note 
any irregularities which may appear in these two sur- 
faces ; now continue the plane of the quarter and heel 
on one side across or through the horny frog to the 
opposite side of the foot for the purpose of determining 
whether or not the two sides are in the same plane. 
This may be done with the eye by drawing an imag- 
inary line, or by placing the smooth surface of the rasp 
on a level with the bearing surflace of the foot, as indi- 
cated by the line e — f> Plate 5. To determine the level 
of this plane, draw an imaginary vertical line through 
the cleft of the frog, as shown by the line c — d, Plate 
5. If the latter line (c — d) is perpendicular (forming 
right angles) to the line e—f, the plane of the foot is 
level. 

Both sides may be in the same plane and the foot 
not level. In such a case the plane is canted. The 
line e — f, Plate 5, represents a canted plane and it will 
be noted that it does not form right angles with the 
vertical line c — a. The true or level plane will be 
found at the line a — b, which line forms a perfect right 
angle with the line c — d. 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 



55 




PLATE V— Level of the Foot. 



56 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

If the feet are not level, they are not balanced; the 
growth of the horn is uneven; the gait is affected by 
an improper breaking over of the foot ; and there is an 
undue amount erf strain on the ligaments and tendons 
of the foot and leg. 

A horse having regular or perfect conformation of 
the feet and legs is balanced by an "absolute leveling 
of the feet. ,, N 

The question of "balance" is further discussed in 
the chapter devoted to "Shoeing for Gaits," and it 
should receive the most careful attention of every per- 
son reading this manual. 

The Shoe. 

When horses are in constant use, it is necessary to 
prevent the too rapid wear of the hoof. The modern 
shoe, beyond all question^ is the best means to accom- 
plish this result, although it somewhat interferes with 
the natural contraction and expansion o>f the foot. 
When shoes are left on the feet for too great a length 
of time, corns and other ailments result. Ordinarily a 
shoe should be renewed once a month. The heavier 
the shoe, the greater the labor of the horse. Hence, 
except in special cases, the lightest shoe that will last 
abooit four weeks is the best shoe. Shoe plain, with- 
out calks, if conditions will permit. 

Calks are a detriment to keeping the feet in a sound 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 57 

and healthy condition. When calk shoes are used, the 
horny frog is so far removed from the ground tfiat it 
does not bear weight as Nature intended. The frog, 
when it is allowed to bear weight, assists the elastic 
structures in breaking the shock when the foot strikes 
the ground, and also in the circulation of the blood 
through the fofot. 

When it is necessary to use calk shoes, I would 
advise the use of the bar in preference to the open 
shoe, providing that the lateral cartilages are in nor- 
mal condition. With the bar shoe the frog bears 
weight, thereby reducing the concussion and increasing 
the blood circulation. The proper circulation of the 
blood in the foot stimulates the growth of horn and 
keeps the foot in a healthy condition. 

The shoe should carefully follow the form of the 
foot. If the wall of the foot is broken away, the shoe 
follows the original outline (shape) of the foot. The 
shoe should fit the outline of the foot around the toe 
from the bend of the quarter on one side to the bend 
of the quarter on the other side, and from the bejnd of 
the quarters back to the heels it should gradually ex- 
tend beyond the wall to about one-eighth of an inch at 
the heels. The shoe extends beyond the wall from 
the quarters back in order that the bearing surface of 
the wall at that point may be allowed to slide outward 
and inward over the shoe in expansion and contraction 



58 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

of the foot. The shoe should rest evenly on the lower 
border of the wall, white line, and just touching the 
outer edge of the sole; and it should be wide enough 
at the heels to cover the buttress. It should be prop- 
erly concaved to prevent excessive sole-pressure. 

In case of contracted heels, fit the shoe a trifle 
fuller at the heels. If one heel only is contracted, fit 
the shoe fuller on the contracted side to support the 
quarter by a larger ground surface, to give greater ex- 
pansion, and to assist in the balancing of the foot. 

In shoeing a foot with a pointed toe, fit the shoe 
a trifle full on either side of the toe to assist in the 
proper breaking over of the foot. This also gradually 
trains the wall to grow into normal or symmetrical 
shape. The hoof is like clay in the hands of the pot- 
ter, and can be moulded to grow into almost any shape 
desired. 

In case the feet are in such condition that it is im- 
possible to obtain a level bearing surface, fit the sho v e 
full on the low side and leave the heel of the shoe 
thickened ; the heel of the shoe on the high sicle being 
thinned as is done in normal cases. A small side-calk 
may also be placed on the low side, near the toe. Use 
of the side-calk would be limited to cases where th(^ 
thickening of the heel is not sufficient to bring the foot 
into a level position. This method of fitting the shoe 
is to make up, partially or wholly, for the deficiency 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 5Q 

of horn on the low side and to equalize the weight on 
the two sides, and to induce a proper breaking over of 
the foot. It also favors an even growth of horn, 
which brings the foot into normal condition. 

Toe- and Side-Clips. 

Toe-clips are often necessary to assist the nails in 
retaining the shoe in place. When calks are used, a 
greater strain is placed upon the nails than is the case 
with the plain shoe. The clips should not be too large 
or deep-seated. The seat for the clips should be just 
deep enough to allow for the thickness of the clip and 
no more. Deep-seated clips are liable to cause press- 
ure on the sensitive structures and set up an inflamma- 
tion. Side-clips are convenient when conditions are 
such that toe-clips can not be used. 

Hot Fitting. 

The fitting of a hot shoe to a foot is injurious and 
should by all means be avoided. The horn fibers of 
the hoof are unquestionably conductors of heat. By 
applying a shoe hot enough to cause smoke when it 
comes in contact with the horn, heat is transmitted to 
the sensitive structures, thereby setting up an inflamma- 
tion and absorbing the natural moisture of the horn 
structures. This leaves the horn in a dry and brittle 



bo Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

condition, which has a tendency to cause the foot to 
contract. 

Cold-fitting is taught and practiced throughout the 
American Army and in the armies of other countries. 
The results attained are eminently satisfactory. 

Nailing. 

In considering the subject of nailing, it might be 
well to mention the opening of the nail holes in the 
shoe. The stability of the shoeing depends greatly on 
having the holes opened the proper size and at the cor- 
rect angle. In size and shape the holes should corre- 
spond to the shank of the nail near the head, so that 
when seated in the crease of the shoe they will fill the 
holes snugly, or without any play. If the nail holes 
are too large or of an improper shape, the nails not fit- 
ting them properly, there will be more or less friction 
of the shoe on the shank of the nails and the shoe soon 
becomes loose and finally drops off, many days in ad- 
vance of the time when reshoeing would be advisable. 
The holes should be opened at an angle corresponding 
to the slope of the wall at each individual point where 
the nails enter the hoof. It is well to remember that 
the slope of the wall at the quarter is greater (more 
upright) than at the toe. and therefore these nail-holes 
should be opened at a greater angle. 

If the slope of the nail holes is not as great as the 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 61 

slope of the wall, the nailing is shallow and insecure 

In obtaining the angle of the nail holes, it is pref- 
erable to pritchel from the upper surface of the shoe 
first, while the proper size and shape of the holes 
would be made by completing the pritcheling from the 
ground surface of the shoe. 

By driving nails into the wall of the foot some of 
the horn tubes are destroyed, and the higher the nails 
are driven the greater the injury to the wall. Nails 
should therefore come out at a height just sufficient 
to hold the shoe — ordinarily not exceeding one inch — 
and in order to damage the wall as little as possible, 
both the size and the number of the nails should be as 
small as will accomplish this object. 

The outside of the white line is the correct place to 
start the nails, and shoes should be fitted with this end 
in view. Nails, thus started, come out evenly on the 
wall, are low and at a strong angle. 

To the experienced shoer, the feel and the sound 
of the nail and the amount of force required in driv- 
ing are important guides. 

High nailing destroys more horn than is necessary 
for securing the shoe to the foot, and after a few shoe- 
ings the wall is filled with holes, which, in addition to 
being unsightly, greatly reduces the strength of the 
hoof. 

We will take a case of a sound healthy foot in 



62 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

which the average growth of horn is about three- 
eighths of an inch per month. The first shoeing we 
drive the nails to a height of one and three-quarters 
inches ; at the second shoeing we remove three-eighths 
of an inch of surplus horn and drive our nails three- 
eighths of an inch above the previous nailing; con- 
tinuing this high nailing, one shoeing after another, 
until the hoof has grown enough to remove the first 
line of nail holes, we find several lines of nail holes in 
the w r all, and the wall itself considerably weakened. 
By driving the nails to a height of three-fourths of 
an inch at the first shoeing and keeping them at the 
same height at each succeeding shoeing, we find that 
at the third shoeing we have but one line of old holes 
in the wall. In other words, we have removed six- 
eighths of an inch of horn in the second and third 
shoeings, and six-eighths of an inch being equal to 
three-fourths of an inch (which was the height of the 
first line of nails), it is evident that the first line of 
nail holes no longer appears on the foot. 

The best nail on the market is the cheapest nail to 
use. They are easier and safer to drive, less danger 
of pricking a horse, less trouble on account of loose- 
ness and casting of shoes, and therefore keep your 
customers satisfied with your work. 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 63 

Clinches. 

The clinches should be of uniform size, strong ami 
smooth. The size of the clinch should be a trifle 
longer than the width of the nail where it breaks 
through the wall. In order to insure a strong and 
smooth clinch, file a slight groove in the wall under 
each nail point, to form a seat for the clinch. With 
the block and hammer, turn the clinch down and set it 
into the groove flush with the surface of the wall. 
Very little rasping is necessary in order to smooth 
them. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Gaits, Balance, Shoeing to Confirm or Alter 
Gaits, Faults in Gaits and Shoeing to Cor- 
rect Same, the Making of Special Shoes for 
Gaits. 

In shoeing horses for the purpose of confirming or 
altering gaits, it must be remembered that there are 
almost as many variations in gaits as there are horses, 
and that methods which are suitable in one case may 
be unsatisfactory in another. There are certain im- 
portant principles, which, properly applied, will be of 
material assistance in gaiting the majority of horses. 
Shoeing alone will not always accomplish the desired 
end, but it always helps. To shoe a horse so that he 
will be properly balanced and will travel squarely re- 
quires skill, patience, and a thorough knowledge of the 
construction of the feet and limbs. 

It is always best to start with mild corrective meth- 
ods, gradually increasing to a more severe treatment 
until the desired result is accomplished; otherwise in- 
juries may result from overtaxed, strained, or rupt- 
ured tendons and ligaments. 

In this chapter an endeavor will be made to give 
the reader a thorough description of the principles of 
the preparation of the feet, styles and fitting of the 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 65 

shoes, which should be applied in the majority of 
cases. 

The shoer, having once learned the principles of 
shoeing to correct faults in gaits, is able, by close ob- 
servation of each case, to apply suitable methods of 
correction. 

The principles of shoeing to correct faults in gaics 
are: 

1. Proper balance of the feet. 

2. Proper breaking over of the feet. 

3. Proper forward and backward extension of the 
leg. 

4. The legs and feet extended in a straight line 
or vertical plane. 

5. Short toes induce high action and a greater 
backward extension. 

6. Long toes induce low action and a greater for- 
ward extension. 

7. More is accomplished by skillful preparation of 
the feet than by the use of extraordinary shoes. 

The gaits which we will consider are the w r alk, trot, 
gallop, pace, and singlefoot. 

The Walk. — At the walk, the horse lifts one foot 
at a time, in diagonal sequence, as : left front foot fol- 
lowed by right hind foot, and plants them in the same 
order. 

The Trot. — The trot is a diagonal movement, in 



66 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

which two feet leave the ground and again strike the 
ground at the same time, as: the left front foot and 
the right hind foot. 

The Gallop. — The gallop is a gait in which the 
horse springs into the air from one front foot and has 
all four feet off the ground at once. The diagonal 
hind foot is the first to strike the ground, then the 
other hind foot, next the front foot opposite the one 
from which the spring was made, and last the foot 
used for the spring. 

Animals that are frequently used at the gallop 
should carry as light a shoe as practicable. 

The Pace. — The pace is a lateral movement — that 
is to say, a movement in which two feet on the same 
side leave and strike the ground at the same time. A 
confirmed pacer can very rarely be converted to the 
trot by shoeing alone, it being generallv necessary to 
use hobbles, uniting diagonally a front leg and a hind 
leg. 

The Single foot. — This is an irregular gait, distin- 
guished by the hind legs moving in the order for the 
fast walk and the front legs in that of a trot, each foot 
striking the ground singly. The footfall has a charac- 
teristic rhythm, which, once learned, will be easily 
recognized, even in the dark. 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeinj 67 

Balance. 

The foot and leg which enjoys perfect equilibrium 
is balanced. 

By balance of the foot is meant symmetry of out- 
line, or having the same amount of foot om each side 
of the median line as seen from the front in the fore leg 
and from the rear in the hind leg. 

The median line of the perfect fore leg falls from 
the point of the shoulder to the ground, cutting the 
forearm, knee, cannon, pastern, and hoof into two 
equal parts. For the perfect hind leg this line starts 
at the buttock joint and cuts the hock, cannon, pastern, 
and hoof into two equal parts. 

In horses with poor conformation the median line 
may fall on either side of the pastern and foot axes. 
In case of a "toe out/' it is found to fall to the inside 
of the center of the toe, and the foot breaks over at 
that point. In case of a "toe in," the opposite condi- 
tion and effect are found. 

Hence, in faulty conformation of the legs or feet, 
there is a lack of balance and an improper breaking 
over. The foot usually goes in the direction in which 
it breaks, as in "toe out" the foot breaks over on the 
inside of the toe and is extended forward with an in- 
ward swing or curve. With regular or good confor- 
mation the foot breaks over at the center of the toe 



68 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

and is extended forward in a straight line and without 
lateral deviation. 

By balance of the foot and leg in motion is meant 
an equal extension to the front and backwards and 
without an outward or inward swing. 

We might compare the leg and foot with a piece of 
machinery, finding friction at every point where there 
is an improper adjustment of the parts. 

For the freest and easiest gaits, the leg and foot 
must be balanced ; but in many cases the conformation 
of the horse is such that a balance of the gait is most 
difficult to obtain. However, all shoeing should be 
with the idea of obtaining as true a balance as is' per- 
missible by the particular class of shoeing made nec- 
essary in the correction of individual faults in gaits. 

Confirming or Altering Gaits. 

The Trot. — If a horse is inclined to singlefoot, and 
the trot is desired, shoe with heavy toe-weights in 
front. For the hind feet use a light shoe, with the 
toes rolled and the heels slightly thickened. 

Preparation of the Feet: Leave the toes a trifle 
long in front, and shorten the toes on the hind feet. 

The action of the toe-weight on the gait is that it 
gives greater forward extension and low action. The 
preparation of the hind feet — together with the light 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 69 

shoe, toes rolled and heels thickened— induces a more 
rapid breaking over and higher action. 

The Singlefoot. — To confirm this gait, shoe with 
heel-weights in front and a heavy side-weight shoe 
behind. 

Preparation of the Feet: Toes shortened for the 
front feet and left long on the hind. 

Action : The heel-weights cause the horse to fold 
high, greater knee action, and a greater backward ex- 
tension with less forward extension. The side-weights 
behind somewhat delays the breaking over of the foot 
and causes an outward swing of the leg. 

To Alter the Pace. — In cases where horses are in- 
clined to pace and the trot is desired, use medium- 
weight shoes in front with the toes well rolled, or a 
roller-motion shoe. The toes of the feet are short- 
ened. For the hind feet normal preparation is made, 
with light-weight shoes thickened at the heels. 

A confirmed pacer can rarely be converted to the 
trot by shoeing alone ; use is made of hobbles, uniting 
diagonal feet. 

Forging. 

' Forging, or clicking, is a fault in gait at the trot, 
the toe of the hind foot overtaking and striking the 
bottom of the front foot; the front fqet are slow in 
breaking over and leaving the ground, and the leg has 



jo Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

a greater extension backward than forward. The hind 
feet break over too rapidly and their forward exten- 
sion is greater than the backward. 

The causes of forging are : Faulty co»nf ormation ; 
horses with short bodies and relatively long legs; 
horses with the front or hind feet set too far under the 
body. Leg weariness, a condition caused by debility 
or over-exertion. Improper preparation or shoeing 
that tends to slow the action of the front feet; as feet 
with toes too long or heels too low 7 ; shoes too long or 
too heavy. Preparation or shoeing that tends to in- 
crease the action of the hind feet : as feet with toes too 
short or heels too high; shoes with heel-calks and no 
toe- calk. Rough ground and poor horsemanship; the 
reins held too loosely, the horse not being kept up to 
the bit. J 

To correct the defect by shoeing, the object of the 
shoer is to quicken the action of the front feet and to 
slow the action of the hind feet, or to increase the for- 
ward extension of the front feet and decrease the for- 
ward extension of the hind feet. 

It should be remembered that forging and inter- 
ference are common to> young horses when first shod 
and put to work. The muscles are soft and undevel- 
oped, the animal tires easily, is awkward in his move- 
ments, and not confirmed in the gaits. In such cases 
use a light shoe and adopt the mildest corrective method 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing yi 

which will prevent the defect in gait. As the animal 
ages, his muscles becomes larger and stronger, he loses 
the awkwardness in gaits, and has acquired a balance 
in movement. This development, conformation being 
good, as a rule eliminates the necessity for special 
shoeing. 

I will give several methods for shoeing to correct 
forging, with explanations : 

First Method. — Shorten the toes of the front feet 
as much as they will reasonably stand and leave the 
heels a trifle high. For the hind feet, leave the toes 
long and lower the heels. Use a light machine-made 
shoe in front; the heels of the shoe just covering the 
buttress and finished with a long bevel from the ground 
surface, and the toes rolled to their full extent. For 
the hind shoes a heavier shoe should be selected; the 
heels of the shoe are left long (extending back of the 
bulb of the frog from about one-half to three-fourths 
of an inch) ; the toes of the shoes are squared and fit- 
ted, so that about one-half of the thickness of the wall 
projects over the shoe. 

In shortening the toes and leaving the^ heels high in 
the front feet, we lessen the labor of the flexor tendons 
and induce a more rapid breaking over of the feet 
Lowering the heels and leaving the toes long in pre- 
paring the hind feet increases the labor of the flexor 
tendons and delays the breaking over of the feet. B^ 



72 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

shortening and making a long bevel on the heels of the 
front shoe, the toe of the hind shoe is prevented from 
grabbing the heels of the front feet and thus pulling 
off the shoes. The toes of the front shoes are rolled to 
assist the foot in breaking over quickly and giving 
higher action. The toe of the hind shoe being square, 
and the wall extending beyond the outer edge of the 
shoe, prevents the disagreeable noise made if the feet 
should occasionally strike; the heels of these shoes are 
long, and the shoe heavier in weight, to further in- 
crease the labor of the flexor tendons and also retard 
the breaking over of the foot. The action of the foot 
is low, with a shortened forward extension. 

Second Method. — Get the feet absolutely level ; use 
a fairly heavy toe-weight shoe in front and heavy side- 
weight shoes on the hind feet, the weight and trailer 
being on the outside. 

The effect of the toe-weight on the action is to in- 
crease the forward extension, w T ith low action. The 
side-weight and trailer on the hind feet induce an out- 
ward swing of the foot and leg, thus giving the fore 
feet more time for breaking over and getting out of 
the way. 

Third Method. — Prepare the feet as recommended 
in the first method. Front shoes should be light in 
weight, fitted short at the heels and with short heel- 
calks inclined well to the front, toe thoroughly rolled. 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 73 

Hind shoes should be heavy in weight, small toe-calk 
set well back from the front edge of the shoe, toes 
squared, heels long, and side-clips on each side be- 
tween the first and second nail-holes. 

This method should be used only when the other 
methods have failed to correct the fault in gait, as the 
feet are thrown so far out of their natural positions 
that the ligaments and tendons are apt to be attected in 
time by the heavy strain placed upon them. 

Fourth Method. — In case the hind feet are short, 
due to breaking or wearing away, we might use an ex- 
tension toe to lengthen the ground surface. (See Figure 
10, Plate 6.) When calks are necessary to prevent 
slipping, use heel-calks and short quarter-calks, welded 
on the web of the shoe between the first and second 
nail holes for the front feet. For the hind feet the 
usual style of calks can be used, the latter being a trifle 
shorter than the toe-calks. 

Scalping. 

Scalping is closely allied to forging. The forward 
and backward extension of the limbs are not equalized. 
It differs from forging in this particular : in the for- 
mer the toe of the front foot strikes on the front sur- 
face of the wall, coronet, or pastern of the hind foot ; 
while in the latter case the toe of the hind foot strikes 
on the bottom of the front shoe. 



74 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

Remedies : Where speed is not considered, use the 
same methods of correction as for forging. Where 
speed is a factor, shoe with the toe-weight in front and 
a side-weight or normal shoe behind. 

Cross-firing. 

Crass-firing is a fault common to the gait of a 
pacer, the hind feet swinging un)de^r the body and 
striking the diagonal front feet. 

Remedies: Use a heavy side-weight on the out- 
side of the hind feet, the toe squared, wefight creased 
a considerable distance from the outside edge of the 
shoe, the shoe fitted so that a portion projects, beyond 
the edge of the wall froim the toe to the third nail on 
the quarter. (See Figure n, Plate 6.) 

Action: To prevent an inward swing of the leg. 

An L-shaped calk or grab welded on the outside of 
the shoe is frequently of benefit in a case of cross- 
firing. The calk should extend from the center of the 
toe to about the third nail hole on the outside. The 
height of the calk should be not more than three- 
sixteenths of an inch. This prevents the foot from 
slipping or twisting at the moment of breaking over. 

Interfering. ■ 

A horse interferes (strikes) when he is in motion 
by hitting any part of a limb with the opposite foot. 




PLATE VI. 
i. Front Side Weight; 2, Toe Weight; 3, Heel Weight; 4, Extension 
Squared Toe; 5, Combination of Side Weight and Extension Squared 
Toe; 6, Hind Side Weight; 7, Front Forging; 8, Hind Forging; 9, Side 
View of Roller Motion; 10, Hind Extension Toe; 11, Cross-Firing. 



-jb Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

Since this fault leaves evidence by rubbing off the hair 
and even breaking the skin, it is an easy matter to 
determine whether one or both feet need correction. 

Causes. — Poor conformation; fatigue; faulty or 
neglected shoeing. 

Horses with good conformation and straight, up- 
right limbs will not interfere if properly shod. Those 
that "toe out" often strike, because the clearance space 
between the limbs is reduced; while those that "toe in" 
usually travel wide. Straight-limbed horses with nar- 
row chests also have a tendency to interfere. In order 
to correct interfering, the shoer should study carefully 
the shoeing, the conformation, and the gait of the 
horse. The first step is to determine the exact part of 
the hoof that strikes. Tins may be readily learned by 
chalking the inside of the wall and trotting the animal 
slowly. The chalk will be rubbed off from the exact 
point of contract with the opposite leg. 

Inspect the shoeing for projecting clinches or rag- 
ged edges of the hoof, due to neglect. If the shoeing 
is of recent date, note if the shoe is too full. Then in- 
spect the foot and see if the inside is too low or the 
outside is too high (broken in). This fault bends the 
leg inward at the fetlock joint, starts the foot on a 
curve instead of a straight path, and thus lessens the 
clearance space between the legs. 

Remedies : If the fault is in the shoeing or in the 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 77 

preparation of the feet, the remedy is apparent. If 
due to faulty conformation of the limbs, examine the 
gait very closely. Observe the breaking over of the 
feet and decide whether it breaks over the center of 
the toe ; is the path of the foot carried in an outward 
or inward swing? Note the height of the stride. 

With an improper breaking over of the feet, we 
find a defect in the gait — the feet are not extended in 
a straight line. Experience has taught me that in cor- 
recting the breaking over, we usually correct the fault 
in gait. Be careful in the preparation of the feet and 
use a shoe of as simple design as will accomplish the 
desired result. 

We Will First Take Up the Interference of the 
Front Legs in Case of an Animal of Good Conform- 
ation. — The fault is frequently caused by improper 
preparation of the feet, such as leaving the outside 
high. The feet are not balanced for the reason that 
there is more foot 011 the outside quarter, the breaking 
over is at the inside of the toe, and the foot is extended 
in an inward swin'g. Correction in this case is level- 
ing of the feet and shoeing normal, the inside edge of 
the shoe and the clinches being carefully smoothed. In 
case we find that conditions are such that it is impossi- 
ble to lower the outside to conform to the inside, then 
it is necessary to use artificial means to build up the 
low side. This may be accomplished by welding a 



78 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

light calk on the inside web of the shoe, near the toe, 
and thickening the heel on that side. The helel is thick- 
ened by drawing it to a feather-edge on the ground 
surface and leaving the upper surface as wide as possi- 
ble in order to give good support to the wall. The 
height of the calk and thickness of the heel should be 
just sufficient to bring the foot and pastern axes in 
prolongation when the shoe is on the foot. 

Animals Having Pointed Toes Are Often Subject 
to Interfering. — This is due to lack of support for the 
foot, and in preventing a proper breaking over at the 
toe. The shoeing for this class of foot is : Level the 
feet; fit the shoe barely flush at the center of the toe 
and a trifle full on either side of the toe back to the 

i 

second nail holes. By fitting the shoe in this manner, 
we enlarge the ground surface, prevent the foot from 
rocking, give better support to the limbs, and induce a 
proper breaking over of the foot. We might further 
aid the breaking over of the feet by squaring the toe of 
the shoes. 

For a Case of Toe-out, Due to Faulty Pastern Cov- 
formation. — In a case of this kind the breaking-over 
point is at the inside of the toe, and the foot is ex- 
tended with an inward curve, frequently causing an in- 
terference of the limbs. Here again we find a lack of 
balance and an improper breaking over of the feet. 
This case differs from those explained in that it i c an 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing yq 

imperfection of Nature and a more difficult case to 
correct. The conformation we cannot change, but the 
fault in gait common to this conformation can be im- 
proved or corrected by careful preparation of the feet 
and fitting of the shoes. 

When preparing the feet, we must not lose sight of 
the fact that they are not balanced nor breaking over 
properly at the toe. 

Preparation of the Feet : Prepare the feet so as to 
bring both sides in one plane, the highest point (or 
greatest length of wall) being at the position of the 
nail nearest the toe on the inside, and the lowest point 
at the outride heel. Note that in this preparation the 
plane of the foot is canted to the true axis orf the foot 
and pastern. By leaving the inside high we more 
nearly approach a balance and also induce the foot to 
break over near the center of the toe. 

Shoeing: Use a light-weight front or hind shoe; 
toe squared and with an angular extension on the in- 
side (see Figure 4, Plate 6), and the outside rolled; 
the inside of the shoe is fitted full from the toe to the 
first or second nail hole and close from that point back 
to the heel; the inside of the shoe should be well 
rasped and smooth: the outside quarter of the shoe i^ 
fitted normally. A side-weight shoe, with the weight 
on the, inside will often help to correct a case of 
this kind, and may be used in combination with the 



80 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

extension and squared toe. (See Figure 5, Plate 6.) 

Action of the Weight: The weight helps to bal- 
ance the foot in motion, and decreases the inward 
curve of the foot. 

Narrow Chest and Limbs Close Together. — The 
clearance space between the limbs is so small that when 
the animal travels on uneven ground, or is the least 
bit tired, he will often interfere. 

Remedies : Level the feet ; use a side-wetight shoe 
with weight on the inside and the toe slightly squared ; 
have the shoe well rasped and smooth on the inside. 
If this does not give the desired result, you can use a 
light machine-made shoe w T ith a small calk welded on 
the inside web, near the toe, the heel being thickened 
a corresponding amount. The latter method causes a 
breaking over of the foot to the outside of the toe and 
also increases the clearance space between the limbs 
by bowing out the fetlocks. It is a decidedly extreme 
method of correction and should only be used as a last 
resort, as the ligaments and tendons are liable to in- 
jury on account of the excessive strain thrown upon 
them. 1 

We will now consider the interference of the hind 
legs: 

Toe-out. — The foot breaks over at the inside of 
the toe and is extended with an inward swing, often 
resulting in serious interference of the limbs. Three 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 8 1 

methods will be given for the correction of this fault 
in the gait for horses having this class of conformation : 

First Method: Prepare the feet so as to bring 
both sides in one plane, the highest point (or greatest 
length of wall) being at the position of the nail nearest 
the toe on! the inside and the lowest point at the out- 
side heel. Here we have a canted plane. Use a light 
machine-made shoe with the toe squared and extend- 
ing slightly beyond the wall on the inside from the toe 
to the second nail hole and from that point fitted close 
back to the heel. The inside of the shoe is well rasped 
and smooth, while the outside of the shoe follows the 
outline of the wall with normal expansion at the heel. 
A trailer on the outside heel should also be used. 

Second Method: Prepare the feet the same as 
given in the first method. Use a side-weight shoe and 
trailer, the weight and trailer being on the outside. 

Third Method: Prepare the feet as specified in 
the first and second methods. Shoe with a combina- 
tion of the two methods previously given; that is, a 
side-weight and trailer on the outside, and the toe 
squared ; otherwise the shoe fitting the foot as described 
in the first method. 

Narrozu Behind and Limbs Close Together. — Here 
we have very little clearance space and the horse in- 
terferes at the slightest provocation. We will give two 
methods for the correction of this fault in gait. 



82 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

First Method : Level the feet. Shoe with a side- 
weight anld trailer on the outside. This induces an 
outward swing of the leg. 

Second Method: Level the feet. Use a light- 
weight machine-made shoe with a calk welded on the 
inside web, near the toe, the inside heel of the shoe be- 
ing thickened to correspond with the height of the 
calk. Here we are putting an unusual strain on the 
ligaments, and the method is recommen'ded for use 
only when the first method has failed. 

Stumbling. 

The horse stumbles in breaking over, or just after 
breaking over, as a result of not raising and carrying 
a foot high enough to clear the ground. Horses stum- 
ble more frequently with the firont than with the hind 
feet. 

Causes. — Poor conformation ; horses with light 
fore quarters and heavy hind quarters. Weakness; 
during convalescence from severe sickness, or as the 
result of a strain of a leg muscle. Fatigue; induced 
by long driving or riding, or by drawing heavy loads. 
Improper preparation; toe left too long. Improper 
shoeing; shoes too heavy or fitted too full at the toe. 
Laziness, particularly when going down hill. Rough 
ground and poor horsemanship. 

Remedies. — The bearing surface of; the foot must 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 83 

be levelled, the toe shortened, the shoe made light in 
weight and thoroughly rolled at the toe, and the thick- 
ness of the heels of the shoe slightly increased. This 
shoe induces more rapid breaking over. 

Paddling. 

Paddling is due to faulty conformation, the horse 
"toeing in." 

The breaking over point of the foot is at the out- 
side toe, and the foot is extended with an outward 
swing. 

» Prepare the feet so as to bring both sides in one 
plane, the highest point (or greatest length of wall) 
being at the position of the nail nearest thq toe on the 
outside, and the lowest point at the inside heel. This 
gives a canted plane. Shoe with an extension, squared 
toe, the extension being on the* outside of the toe. A 
combination of the squared toe and side-weight shoe, 
with the weight on the outside, can also> be used. 

The squared toe corrects the breaking" over, and 
the side-weight balances the foot in motion. 

Making of Special Shoes for Gaits. 

Machine-made shoes can easily be converted into 
weighted shoes. 

Toe-weight Shoe. — Select a shoe of the desired 
size and weight, preferably a front shoe. Heat the 



84 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

shoe to a white heat, and with the hammer and creaser 
mark a line half-way between the crease and the in- 
ner edge of the shoe. This line, made on each side of 
the toe, extends from the heel to a point between the 
first and second nail holes; it is then carried obliquely 
to the inner edge. The creaser is held as in creasing 
the shoe, so that the cut when finished will leave a 
snow-shoe bevel. The cut should begin obliquely at 
the toe, for the reason that a right-angled cut weakens 
the shoe at this point and allows it to break after much 
wear. (See Figure 2, Plate 6.) 

Side-weight Shoe. — The process in making is the 
same as given for the "toe weight" shoe, with the excep- 
tion that the weight is removed from one side only, 
and the cut begins at the center of the toe. In the 
front shoe the heels are of normal length and finished 
in the usual manner. The weight on the hind shoe 
extends back towards the buttress as ijar as possible 
without covering the frog. The outside heel is drawn 
about three-quarters of an inch longer than the inside 
heel and from the end of the buttress it is turned out- 
ward. This extension is called a "trailer" and serves 
to increase the rotary motion given by the weight. 
The inside heel is of normal length. (See Figure 6, 
Plate 6.) 

Heel-zveight Shoe. — The process in making this 
shoe is the same as given for the other weighted shoes, 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 85 

except that the weight is removed from around the toe 
and on each side back to a point between the third and 
fourth nail holes. A front shoe should be used. (See 
Figure 3, Plate 6.) 

Extension Square Toe. — Heat the shoe to a white 
heat and place it over the horn of the anvil and square 
or upset the toe. Then place the shoe on the face of 
the anvil and draw or thin the shoe on the desired side 
(outside or inside of the toe), so that it extends over 
the wall. The opposite side is rounded off by hot 
rasping. 

In turning the shoe from bar steel, crease well in 
on the web near the toe on the side where the shoe is 
to extend beyond the wall. (See Figure 4, Plate 6.) 



CHAPTER V. 

Diseases of thk Foot. 
Detection of Lameness. 

Severe lameness is readily recognized, even when 
the animal is at rest. Distinct symptoms, such as 
pointing or frequent raising of the affected limb, are 
noticed, the animal's instinct leading him to place the 
injured foot in a position to relieve the pain. 

In making an examination for lameness the animal, 
having free use of his head, should be led nt a slow 
trot toward and from the observer. If lame in one 
fore leg, the head will nod (drop) when he steps on 
the sound leg, while it jerks up at the moment the 
lame one strikes the ground, and the stride is short- 
ened on the lame side. Should there be lameness in 
both fore legs, the action is stilty (stiff) ; the steps are 
shortened and the feet kept close to the ground. 

Lameness behind is detected by trotting the animal 
away from the observer, the croup being the essential 
part to be watched, since it drops with the sound leg 
and rises when the injured leg strikes the ground. 

In all cases examine the feet thoroughly, removing 
the shoe when necessary. 

Heat, pain !; and swelling are always guides in the 
diagnosis of lameness. 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 87 

In making an examination of the foot ^or lame- 
ness, it is desirable to cut the clinches and remove the 
shoe by drawing each nail separately, closely exam- 
ining them for traces of moisture. Note the position 
of the holes where the nails entered the hoof. Clean 
off the sole with the knife. This done, more than 
usual care should be taken in following up any small 
prick or dark spot that may show itself upon the clean 
surface of the sole. Examine the frog in the same 
manner for traces of a puncture. A puncture of the 
frog is often most difficult to locate, as the horn fibers 
are softer and finer than those of the sole. An open- 
ing made in the horn fibers of the frog readily closes 
and leaves very little trace of having been punctured. 
One should also examine the condition of the horn at 
the seat of corns ; note the shape of the heel (con- 
tracted or otherwise), and the appearance of the frog 
(clean or discharging). 

Pathological shoeing is shoeing for the relief of 
diseased feet. The bar shoe is most commonly used, 
because it produces frog-pressure, which increases 
blood circulation and thus assists Nature's method of 
building up diseased tissue. Removing pressure means 
trimming the bearing surface of the foot in such a way 
that the shoe cannot cause pressure upon diseased 
parts. 



88 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

Thrush. 

Thrush is a disease of the horny frog, caused by 
uncleanliness of the feet. The owner or person in 
charge of the horse has failed to clean out t^e feet at 
the daily grooming, or the horse has been allowed to 
stand in a wet and filthy stall. In this disease there 
is a dark-colored discharge of highly offensive odor. 

Treatments : Clean out the feet and trim away the 
diseased part of the frog, so as to expose the seat of 
the trouble ; all loose portions of the frog should be re 
moved. Clean thoroughly by washing with an anti- 
septic solution ; then thoroughly dry the foot and apply 
a drying powder of powdered alum, calomel, or cop- 
per sulphate. A leather boot may be used to hold the 
dressing in place. After all suppuration has ceased, 
pack the feet with tar and oakum and shoe with either 
the open or bar shoe. In case the heels are contracted, 
shoe as prescribed later for "contracted feet." 

Canker. 

Canker is a disease somewhat similar to thrush 
and often follows that disease. This disease affects 
both the sensitive frog and horny sole as well as the 
horny frog. There is a very offensive-smelling dis- 
charge from these parts ; a spongy enlargement of the 
sensitive frog is found. It is generally believed that 
this disease is caused by a vegetable parasite, the devel- 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 8q 

opment of which is assisted by filthy stables. It also 
often follows an injury which has exposed the sensi- 
tive; structures of the foot, and in such cases it soon 
causes a separation of the soft and horny portions. 

Treatment : That part of the frog or sole that has 
been under-run must be removed with the knife, and 
the canker exposed; the unhealthy growth is then 
touched with a red-Hot iron, burning it off level with 
the surrounding healthy structures, care being exer- 
cised not to injure the sensitive portions of the foot. 
Next, wash clean, then dry, and apply the following 
powder: equal parts of sulphate of zinc, sulphate of 
iron, and sulphate of copper. Place over this a pad of 
oakum, and over all a leather boot. This dressing 
must be changed once a day — twice a day in bad cases ; 
treatment is continued until a healthy growth of horn 
covers the whole foot. The horse can now be shod. 
Pack the foot with oakum and tar, and cover with a 
leather sole, which is held in place by the shoe. 

If it is desirable to change dressings on the shod 
foot, a more convenient appliance to keep them in 
place is made in the following manner: Cut a piece 
of sheet zinc to cover about two-thirds of the sole and 
frog, the outer edge of the piece fitting under the shoe ; 
cut another piece to cover the remaining third, and 
wide enough to lap over the first piece ; the lap to run 
parallel to the cleft of the frog ; then cut a strip about 



go Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

one inch wide to act as a keeper ; the ends of this strip 
are pressed under the shoe, the strip passing across the 
foot from quarter to quarter. 

; Dry Feet. 

Soften the hoofs by soaking in water, and then ap- 
ply cosmoline or linseed oil. This should be done 
daily for a week or two. A thick paste of ground 
flaxseed and water, packed into the cavity of the foot 
between the branches of the shoe, or a packing of 
moist clay, will keep the foot soft. Contracted feet 
often follow excessive dryness of the feet. 

Contracted Feet. 

Contracted feet is an unnatural shrinking or nar- 
rowing of the feet at the heels. 

Causes: Lack of exercise; lack of moisture; 
thrush; cutting out the bars; opening up the heels; 
cutting away the frog; concaving the upper and inner 
surface of the shoe, near the heels; nailing back of the 
bend of the quarters; continued use of heel-calks, and 
allowing the shoes to remain on the feet too long. 

Treatment: Ascertain the cause and remove it if 
possible. The remedy is to get pressure on the frog. 
If the feet are extremely dry and hard, they may be 
softened by standing the animal in moist clay or in 
water. If the animal is to be used on soft ground, let 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing qi 

him go barefoot, or shoe with the tip, otherwise one of 
the following methods : (a) Use the bar shoe in case 
the horny frog is not affected by thrush and is large 
enough to bear weight on the shoe. In using this shoe 
the cartilages must be sound, (b) The beveled-edge 
shoe might be used advantageously wherever the wali 
at the quarters is strong enough to stand the pressure 
caused by the bevel on the shoe. This shoe must be 
made with the greatest care, and the results of its use 
watched most carefully; carelessly made or carelessly 
used is apt to produce corns. Prepare the feet with 
the greatest care, beveling the heel (or buttress) from 
the outer margin inward towards the frog, or just the 
opposite to the bevel made on the shoe. This allows 
the lower border of the wall at the heel full support, or 
bearing, on the beveled part of the shoe. 

Corns. 

A corn appears as a reddish spot or discoloration 
of horn in the angle formed by the wall and bars, the 
result of bruising the sensitive sole or sensitive laminae 
of the quarters and bars. It is more frequently found 
on the inside of the front feet than on the outside. 
The hind feet are seldom troubled with corns. 

Corns are caused by concussion of the feet on hard 
roads,, dryness of the feet, shoes fitted too short, con- 
tracted heels, shoes which remove the frog too far 



qz Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

from the ground and thus preventing proper expansion 
of the foot, and by shoes left on the foot so long that 
the wall overgrows the heels of the shoe, thereby 
causing the shoe to press on the sole of the foot. 

Treatments : Remove the shoe and examine the 
seat of the corn carefully, using the knife to pare away 
the discolored horn. If no pus or heat is found, the 
foot may be reshod, the shoer being careful to relieve 
pressure over the diseased part. Pack the cavity with 
tar and oakum, using a leather pad to hold the pack in 
place. If the cartilages are in normal condition, a bar 
shoe may be used to good advantage. 

If suppuration is found, the shoe must be left oft 
and the foot placed in a hot flaxseed poultice for sev- 
eral days, changing the poultices as they become cold 
When changing poultices, it is desirable to wash out 
the seat of the corn with a solution of creoline i part 
to 25 parts of water. Continue this treatment until all 
suppuration has stopped ; when the horse may be shod, 
packing the feet and relieving pressure as explained 
above. 

Puncture of the Sole and Frog — Pricks in Shoeing. 

A puncture of the sole or frog is usually caused by 
a horse stepping on a nail, a piece of broken glass, or 
other sharp object. If the wound enters the soft 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 93 

structures of the foot, it results in lameness and the 
formation of pus. 

Pricks in shoeing are of two kinds : first, when the 
nail is drivem into the soft structures, and, second, 
when it is driven too close, causing a bulging of the in- 
ner layer of horn, which is forced in upon the sensi- 
tive laminae. In the first case the horse goes lame im- 
mediately ; in the second case, lameness may not at • 
pear for several days or weeks. 

To detect a punctured wound of the foot, remove 
the shoe, examining each nail as it is withdrawn for 
traces of moisture. Then test with the pincers. When 
the sore spot is pressed, the horse will flinch. 

Treatment: Open the wound and let out any pus 
that may have formed; wash out with a solution of 
creoline 1 to 25, or of carbolic acid 1 to 20. Unless 
the pus has a good outlet, it will burrow into the sur- 
rounding tissues and quittor or canker may follow. 
Moreover, there is always danger of tetanus in all 
cases of punctured wounds, especially in the feet. The 
germ of this disease is present in nearly all soils and is 
very liable to be carried into the wound upon the nail 
or other object. After the wound has been opened up 
and washed out, the foot should be placed in a hot flax- 
seed poultice, a fresh one being applied three or four 
times a day, and the parts washed out after each poul- 
tice, as in the first instance. The treatment should be 



94 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

continued until inflammation is reduced and the for- 
mation of pus has ceased. The hole can then be plugged 
with oakum and tar, the shoe reset, and the horse put 
to work. It is often desirable to use a "blind bar" 
shoe for this disease. The bar is welded on the shoe, 
from one quarter to the opposite side, so as to cover or 
protect the seat of injury. 

Quit for. 

Quittor is a running sore, situated on the coronet 
of the foot, with one or more tubes leading in a down- 
ward direction and discharging pus. It is caused by 
pricks in shoeing, punctures of the sole and frog, and 
by bruises or suppurating corns. There is a swelling 
at the coronet having a very unhealthy appearance. 
In most cases the horse is very lame. 

Treatment : Find out, if possible, what has caused 
the quittor. If it is the result of a nail-prick or a fes- 
tered corn, open it up on, the under side of the foot, 
allow the pus to run out, and then treat as directed for 
suppurating corns. If no nail-prick or corn can be 
found, treat the quittor from above, by injecting into 
the sinuses one of the following solutions : carbolic acid 
i part, water 20 parts ; creoline 1 part, water 25 parts ; 
bichloride of mercury 1 part, water 500 parts. This 
treatment should be continued for several days, at the 
end of which period, if the parts do not appear in a 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 95 

healthier condition, inject into the tubes 1 dram of 
bichloride of mercury, well shaken up, in 1 ounce of 
water. This will cause a separation of the diseased 
walls of the tube from the healthy parts of the foot. 
Poultices of flaxseed meal assist this separation. Keep 
the parts clean, and wash out with carbolic acid or 
creoline as at first. If the sore does not heal under 
this treatment, a surgical operation by the veterinarian 
will be necessary. 

Toe- and Quarter-Cracks. 

Toe- and quarter-cracks are splits in the horn of 
the wall proper, the location of the crack determining 
the name applied to it. 

These are caused by dryness of the feet, contracted 
feet, concussion, calked shoes, use of large nails, mils 
driven too far back towards the heels, and heavy shoes. 
Horses with thin quarters are predisposed to quarcer- 
cracks. 

These cracks generally start at the coronet and 
gradually extend downward to the lower border of the 
wall, often appearing as a deep fissure extending 
through the wall and causing a pinching of the sensi- 
tive structures. If the cracks are not deep, there is 
seldom any lameness. 

Treatment: . If the horse is lame, he should be 
given a rest. Remove the shoe and soften the horn 



qb Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

by poultices, or by standing in water for a few days ; 
then cut away the hard overlapping edges of the fis- 
sure and thin the wall on each side, so that there will 
be no friction between the edges of the crack. As the 
wall grows down from the coronet, the upper end of 
the crack must be carefully observed to see that the 
new horn grows down strong and smooth. In time 
the crack will disappear at the lower edge of the wall. 
If the sensitive laminae have been exposed by this op- 
eration,, the parts should be washed with a solution of 
creoline, i to 50, and the wound should be dustedl with 
acetanilid and covered with a pad of oakum held in 
place by a boot or bandage. In a few days a thin 
layer of horn will be thrown out, covering the sensi- 
tive laminae. The horse can then generally be put to 
work. 

After a quarter -crack has been trimmed out, the 
horse should be shod with a bar shoe}, the wall beneath 
the quarter being cut away so that it will not come in 
contact wth the shoe. 

In case of toe-crack, the operation is the same. In 
shoeing, the wall is cut away at the toe to prevent 
pressure. A bar shoe, rolled at the toe and with a 
clip on each side of the crack, is recommended. The 
bar shoe serves two purposes : 

1. Ordinarily it is not possible to drive the proper 
number of nails on the side of the affected quarter, 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 



97 







PLATE VII 



i. Bar Shoe; 2, Rocker Motion Bar; 3, Side View of Rocker 
Motion Bar; 4, Tip Made from Plate Steel; 5, Beveled Edge. 



q8 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

but the bar keeps the shoe in place on account of the 
firm nailing on the other side. 

2. The bar gives frog-pressure and expansion, 
which are desirable, because quarter -cracks usually 
result from a weak and drawn-in quarter. 

Laminitis. 

Laminitis, which is commonly called founder, is an 
inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the feet; ad 
joining structures are also at times affected. This 
disease is caused by concussion, exhaustion, over- 
exertion, over-eating, drinking cold water when heat- 
ed, and by eating of musty grain or hay. The fist 
cause given is the most common. There are two 
forms of this disease: acute and chronic. 

Ordinarily, in a case of inflammation, the blood 
vessels become enlarged and a surface swelling ap- 
pears; but, when the sensitive laminae are inflamed, 
the local veins, confined between the horny wall and 
the coffin bone, have no room to expand; in conse- 
quence, the pain of acute laminitis is very sharp and 
persistent. 

In laminitis of both front feet, the animal is ex- 
cessively lame, moves with great difficulty, especially 
when starting, and appears as if the entire body were 
in a state of cramp ; he stands with the hind legs drawn 
under the belly and the fore feet advanced, in order to 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing qq 

relieve the painful feet of as much weight as possible. 
Occasionally he may be seen to sway backward, raising 
the toes and throwing tbe weight for a moment upon the 
heels of the front feet, and then resuming the original 
position. If compelled to move, he raises the feet 
laboriously, not because the muscles are sore, as if 
sometimes supposed, but because, if all four feet are 
not on the ground at the same time to bear the weight 
of the body, his suffering is increased. He will often 
groan with pain, and sweat will break out over the 
body. To diagnose a case quickly, the best method is 
to push the horse backward, when, if affected, he will 
elevate the toes and throw his weight upon the heels. 

In some instances the animal will lie down upon 
his side, with legs stretched out, for hours at a time, 
evidently feeling great relief in this position ; in other 
cases, particularly during the early period !of the 
disease, he will stand persistently. 

Treatment: Remove the shoes from the affected 
feet; stand the horse in hot water for several hours 
each day, or, what is equally good and perhaps safer, 
apply hot flaxseed poultices, changing them every hour 
as they become cold. Another advantage of the use 
of poultices is that the animal may lie down during the 
treatment. The animal should be encouraged to lie 
down, as by so doing he finds great relief from the ex- 
cessive pain ; he should be turned loose in a well bed- 



ioo Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

ded box stall. After two- or three days of this treat- 
ment, chanjga to cold water, which can be applied 
either in the form of a foot-bath or by standing the 
animal in a running stream for five or six hours at a 
time. As soon as the pain has diminished, moderate 
exercise is beneficial ; this may be gradually increased 
until the animal shows no further sign of trouble. If, 
after five or six days, pronounced symptoms of re- 
covery are not apparent, apply a stiff blister of can- 
tharides around the coronet, repeating the blister if 
necessary. In addition to the local treatment, nitrate 
of potash (saltpeter), in doses of 2 to 4 ounces, maybe 
given three times a day. If the horse is constipated, 
give 1 quart of raw linseed oil. 

After treatment, use a bar shoe, well rolled at the 
toe, and with thin heels. Use no toe-clips. Concave 
the upper web to remove sole-pressure 

Chronic laminitis is permanent laminitis, resulting 
from one or more attacks of the acute form of the 
disease. In the chronic form, there is always inflam- 
mation, sometimes more, sometimes less, but never as 
severe as in the acute form. This varying inflamma- 
tion affects the adjoining sensitive structures and in- 
terferes with their continuous, regular secretions. The 
coronary band becomes affected and consequently the 
growth of horn is not steady; this is shown by the 
growth rings on the outer surface of the wall. 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 101 

The interruption of the natural secretions of the 
sensitive laminae results in irregular growth of the 
horny laminae. In bad cases there is a rapid (false) 
growth near the toe that has not the ordinary amount 
of vitality, and seedy-toe frequently results. This ex- 
tra growth also forces the coffin bone back from its 
proper position, and as the dove-tail attachment is not 
as strong as in natural growth, the weight of the ani- 
mal forces the coffin bone down upon the sensitive 
sole, causing the ailment known as drop-sole. In very 
bad cases, the bone actually pierces the sole, and the 
animal is, of course, absolutely useless. 

In <a case of chronic laminitis, pay special care to 
the concaving and use a bar shoe rolled both at the toe 
and at the heel, called a rocker-motion shoe. This 
shoe produces a uniformily smooth breaking over, with 
but little jar. 

Seedy-Toe. 

Seedy-toe is a mealy condition of the inner wall of 
the hoof, the white line, and sometimes the sole. 

It is often the result of chronic laminitis, or it may 
be caused by deep branding of the hoof, deep-seated 
toe-clips, and by an excess of sole-pressure at the toe 
The disease is most frequently found in the front feet. 

Treatment: Pare the wall of the cavity until 
healthy horn is reached, and pack with tar and oakum. 



102 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

Stimulate healthy growth of horn by the application of 
cantharides blister at the coronet. 

Use a bar shoe; no nails should be driven in the 
diseased part, but, instead, side-clips should be used, 
care being exercised that they bear only on the healthy 
horn. 

Sidebones. 

A sidebone is an ossification (turning into bone) of 
the lateral cartilage, frequently resulting from improp- 
er leveling of the foot, concussion, and loss of normal 
function of the horny frog and elastic structures. 
There is a hard, unyielding condition of the lateral 
cartilage, with or without lameness. 

Treatment: If the horse is lame, the first step is 
to remove the shoe and level the foot; then let the 
horse stand in a tub of cold water for several hours a 
day, or apply, around the coronet, swabs kept wet with 
cold water. As soon as the fever has disappeared, 
clip off the hair over the sidebones, and blister with 
this ointment: biniodide of mercury i part, cosmoHne 
5 parts ; mix thoroughly and rub in well. Tie up the 
horse's head so that he cannot reach the blistered parts 
with his lips, and keep him in this position for twenty- 
four to forty-eight hours. Then wash off the blister, 
using warm water and castile soap. The washing 
must be repeated every day until all the scabs formed 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 103 

by the blister have been removed. During this time 
keep the horse standing quietly in a clean and level 
stall. If after ten days he has not improved, firing, 
followed by a long period of rest, may prove beneficial. 
In shoeing a horse afflicted with sidebones, level the 
foot carefully. If the foot is affected on one side only, 
the affected side is liable to be contracted, because 
proper expansion has been prevented on that side. In 
this case, the web of the shoe should be widened suffi- 
ciently to extend out to where the normal foot would 
be. A plain shoe with a rolled toe is recommended. 
Frog-pressure produces soreness, and must be careful- 
ly avoided. A calk shoe often proves beneficial by 
preventing the frog from coming in close contact with 
the ground. A bevel-edged shoe might be used ad- 
vantageously, as it spreads out the quarters and heels. 
Contracted heels usually accompany this disease. 

Ringbone. 

Ringbone is a bony enlargement, more or less prom- 
inent, situated upon either the os suffraginis or os 
coronse, and it may also involve the articular cartilages. 
It may be caused by blows, sprains, jumping, fast 
work on hard roads, and faultv conformation. 

Lameness is usually the first symptom, and diagno- 
sis is assisted by feeling and comparison of the two 



104 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

legs. The enlargement is hard, painless on pressure, 
and the skin covering is movable. 

Treatment: The foot must be pared perfectly 
level and a blister applied to the enlargement and re- 
peated in two weeks if necessary. Perfect rest and 
quietude for four to six weeks are essential, or no ben- 
eficial results can be expected. 

If the rest and blisters fail to remove the lameness, 
firing may be resorted to. Puncture firing in two or 
three rows is often very efifective. After firing, tie 
seat of the injury should be blistered with biniodide of 
mercury i to 5, and the animal kept quiet in a single 
stall for at least one month. 

Shoe with medium-weight shoes, heels slightly 
raised and the toes well rolled; or with rubber pads 
and toes rolled to assist in the breaking over of the 
foot. 

Bone Spavin. 

Bone spavin is a disease involving the bones in the 
hock-joint and is usually manifested in a bony enlarge • 
ment, situated at the inner and lower part of the tar- 
sus. It is caused by weakness, faulty conformation, 
severe strains, hard and rapid work, etc. 

The appearance of this disease is usually accom- 
panied by lameness, which in the early stageis of the 
disease is noticed only when the animal is first movea 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 105 

after a rest, and then the toe is generally placed upon 
the ground first. When standing, the animal often 
rests the diseased leg on the toe. 

The "spavin test" is sometimes useful in diagnosing 
spavin lameness. It consists in keeping the hock- joint 
flexed for one or two minutes and then trotting the 
horse. If a spavin exists, lameness is very marked. 

Treatment: The treatment of bone spavin is the 
same as that prescribed for ringbone. 

vShoe with heel-calks, the toe being rolled. 

1 Splints. 

Splints are bony enlargements, usually situated be- 
tween) the inner splint bone and the cannon bone, at 
their upper third. They occasionally occur on the out- 
side of the hind leg. They are caused by faulty action, 
or unequal distribution of pressure in the knee may 
throw an excessive load on the inner small metacarpal 
and cause rupture of the tissue affixing the small to the 
large metacarpal. The irritation produces growth of 
bone. 

Soreness may or may not be present; w r hen the 
splint is painful, the horse is lame. 

Treatment: If there is lameness, give the animal 
absolute rest and apply a blister, composed as follows : 
biniodide of mercury 1 dram, cosmoline 5 drams. Re- 



106 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

peat in ten days if necessary. Shoe with rubber pads 
or the normal shoe. 

Coffin- Joint Lameness. 

A sprain of the coffin- joint results from slipping, 
stepping upon a rolling stone, stepping into a hole, etc. 
With this injury there is a shortened gait; pointing of 
the diseased foot; heat over the region of the coffin- 
joint; tenderness on pressure. 

Treatment : Remove the shoe and give the animal 
complete rest; poultice the foot with flaxseed meal or 
stand the foot in a tub of cold water; if relief is not 
obtained in a week, apply a blister of biniodide of mer- 
cury around the coronet and heels, rubbing it in well 
over the region of the heels. 

A sprain of the coffin- joint, unless carefully nursed, 
may terminate in chronic navicular disease^ in which 
the coffin-joint structures and the coffin bone itself be- 
come ulcerated. This disease is incurable. 

After navicular disease has developed, the heel 
of the diseased foot should be elevated by the use of 
a shoe with calks or with thick heels. The foot should 
be kept soft with foot-baths and poultices and a blister 
applied when lameness is especially marked. When- 
ever possible, keep the shoe off during treatment. 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 107 

Bowed Tendons and Break-Downs. 

Bowed tendons and break-downs are sprains of the 
flexor tendons and suspensory ligament, respectively. 
These conditions are often found in both front and 
hind legs, resulting from heavy pulling or sudden jerks 
The injury is easily recognized by the changed appear- 
ance of the parts, which become more or less swollen ; 
the swelling usually extends from the knee down to 
the fetlock, and is accompanied by heat and soreness. 

Treatment: Give the animal perfect rest. Hot 
or cold applications should be applied to the inju:ed 
parts. These applications should be in the form of 
bathing, or bandages saturated with water. Flannel 
bandages must not be allowed to dry while in contact 
with the injured parts, as flannel applied wet shrinks 
in drying, and will cause pain. If, after the inflam- 
mation is reduced, the parts remain large and swollen, 
it may be found necessary to blister or even resort to 
firing. When the animal is ready for work, shoe with 
a light shoe ; the toe should be well rolled and the heels 
thickened, or small heel-calks used. Rubber pads are 
good for cases of this kind. To strengthen or support 
the tendons when the animal is at work, dry bandages 
placed tightly around the legs over the injured tendons 
are an excellent thing, as they give additional support 
to the leg. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Miscellaneous Hints. 

Shoes for Jumpers. — For the jumper the shoe 
should be of medium weight. The front shoes are fit- 
ted with a trifle less expansion at the heels than is the 
case in the use of normal shoes ; the len'gth of the heels 
isi just even with the bearing surface of the buttress, 
and finished with a long bevel from the ground sur- 
face. Hind shoes should have small heel-calks to pre- 
vent slipping when taking the jump. 

Shoes for Running Horses. — Shoes for running 
horses should be very light in weight, fitted close and 
short at the heels. The shoe is made preferably from 
rib steel, using a light grab at the toe. 

Foot Adjuster. — The foot adjuster should form a 
part of the shop equipment, especially in shops where 
a high class of work is done. The gauge is more ac- 
curate than the eye, and in shoeing to balance the gait 
of a horse a fraction of an inch difference in the length 
of thel feet (or a couple of degrees difference in the 
angles) makes considerable difference in the gaits. 

The Tip Shoe. — The use of the tip for contracted 
heels leaves the foot in more nearly a state of Nature 
than any other shoe. It is sufficient for light work, 
and is easily applied. It should be thin, only thick 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 109 

enough to hold the nails and not be flexible. An old 
shoe of the plain pattern, evenly worn, makes an ex- 
cellent shoie for this purpose. Cut the heels of the 
shoe off at the fourth nail hole, leaving but three nail 
holes in a side. The tip may be made from bar steel, 
and Y\ by y 2 or ^i is a desirable size. Two nail holes 
in a side are sufficient to hold a shoe of this descrip- 
tion. The branches of the shoe hardly reach the/ bend 
of the quarter. 

Preparation of the Feet : If there is a considera- 
ble amount of horn to be removed from the toe, sim- 
ply make a seat for the tip. In other words, remove 
the surplus growth of horn around the toe, and back 
toward the quarters as far as the shoe reaches. Fit 
the tip to the outline of the wall. After nailing the 
tip on the foot prepared for it, the heels are rasped 
down to a level with the ground surface of the shoe. 
This manmer of applying the tip keeps the foot in a 
true plane. 

If there is no surplus horn to be removed from the 
toe of the foot, the branches of the tip should be thin- 
ned to give a more even bearing surface. This man- 
ner of applying the tip leaves the foot somewhat in 
a broken-back condition. The first method, in the 
writer's opinion, is the better of the two, as the feet 
stand at the prescribed angle (corresponding to the 



1 10 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

angle of the pastern), thus allowing a free and easy 
movement of the ligaments and tendons. 

Shoeing with the tip shoe is undoubtedly the near- 
est to Nature it is possible to attain and at the same 
time protecting the hoof from wearing away too 
rapidly. : 

With the tip shoe the quarters, heels, and horny 
frog come in contact with the ground and the quar- 
ters are free to expand as Nature intended. The wall, 
being upright at the heels and quarters, doeis not break 
away very badly and the growth is about equal to the 
wear. 

Shoeing of Horses Just Off the Range. — Young 
horses that are transferred from the ranch to the 
city should receive particular attention in respect to 
shoeing. 

The horse is accustomed to running barefoot on 
soft ground, and changing to the hard, unyielding city 
pavement, together with the unaccustomed shoeing of 
the feet (generally being shod with toe- and heel- 
calks), soon causes trouble with the feet. 

The feet of the young horse when first prepared 
for shoeing, and the lower layer of the sole and wall 
removed, are found to be very soft and flexible. The 
frog is well developed, the heels wide, and there is lots 
of moisture in the horn structure. 

Shoeing with heel- and toe-calks raises the horny 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 1 1 1 

frog so far from the ground that it cannot bear weight, 
and the shock of the foot striking the ground is quite 
severe on the hoof and structures enclosed. Circu- 
lation of blood through the foot is diminished, due to 
loss of frog-pressure, and the horn rapidly dries out, 
becoming hard and brittle. Contraction of the hoof 
often takes place, and this is followed by many other 
ailments. To preserve the foot of the young horse as 
much as possible, the shoeing for the first six months 
should be such as will leave the feet as near as possible 
in the condition' existing at the time the animal left 
the ranjge. 

Shoe with the bar shoe, plain if conditions will per- 
mit, and pack the feet with tar and oakum on every 
other shoeing. In this way the feet gradually accus- 
tom themselves to the changed conditions and the 
usefulness of the animal is considerably prolonged. 
Where the average usefulness of the work-horse in the 
city is about three or four years, it might be doubled 
with proper care of the feet. 

Cleaning of the Feet. — The horse's feet should .e 
carefully cleaned each day. Manure and filth, if al- 
lowed to remain in the cleft of the frog and the com- 
missures, soon decays and the result is a diseased con- 
dition of the horny frog. Another reason for clean- 
ing out the feet each day is that in case a nail becomes 



112 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

lodged in the sole or frog, it may be discovered before 
the animal experiences any bad results from it. 

The Horseshoed s Journal. — Every progressive 
horseshoer should be constantly on the alert for im- 
provements in methods, tools, materials,, etc. The 
Horseshoer 's Journal is the principal publication con- 
taining such information and it will be found of value 
to all shop-owners and workmen. The discussions on 
shoeing, etc., contained in that paper are interesting 
and instructive. 

Sizes of Shoes and Nails.— Nails run in sizes 1 from 
twos for the Shetland ponies up to twelves for the 
Clydesdale and Percheron breeds. As a general rule, 
larger nails are used than is necessary to hold the shoe 
in place. It is the writer's opinion that a No. 5 nail is 
sufficiently large to hold Nos. 1 and 2 shoes, No. 6 
nails for a No. 3 shoe, No. 7 nails for a No 4 shoe, 
No. 8 nails for a No. 5 shoe, and No. 9 nails for Nos. 
6 and 7 shoes. 

In the American Army the shoes for the cavalry 
and field artillery range in size from 1 to 5, the latter 
size being seldom used. The nails range in size from 
a No. 4 to 7; fours are used in light-plate shoes; fives 
in Nos. 1 and 2 shoes; sixes in Nos. 3 and 4 shoes; 
sevens in No. 5 shoes, and occasionally in a No. 4 shoe. 

We experience very little trouble with nails break- 
ing or from cast shoes, although the ground traveled 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 1 1 3 

over is often very rough and rocky. By using the 
small nails, it is much easier to keep the wall of the 
feet in a strong condition. 

Hoof Dressings. — Hoof dressing, when frequently 
applied to the wall of the foot, one coat after another 
without removing the remains of the previous coat, is 
very injurious and the horn fibers under this treat- 
ment become hard and brittle. Tf a hoof dressing is 
to be used, it should not consist solely of grease, but 
should have mixed with it either wax or tar. It is the 
writer's opinion that hoof dressings are seldom neces- 
sary if the feet are otherwise properly cared for. Na- 
ture has provided a coating of fine horn fibers on the 
outer surface of the wall to prevent the natural moist- 
ure in the wall (which is supplied from the blood) 
from evaporating. Likewise the horny sole and frog 
are covered with layers of dead horn which hold the 
moisture in the live horn. If when shoeing the horse 
this covering which Nature has provided is not 
destroyed, there is no necessity of applying an artifi- 
cial dressing. 

The Bar Shoe. — The bar shoe is undoubtedly used 
more frequently and for a greater number of diseases 
of the foot than any of the pathological shoes. Its 
advantages over the normal shoe are : 

1. The bar increases the strength of the shoe. 

2. It gives frog-pressure and an increased cir- 



114 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

culation of blood through the foot to stimulate the 
growth of horn. 

3. Fewer nails are required to hold the shoe in 
place, as the nails on one side assist those on the other 
side. 

4. The bearing surface of the wall may be trim- 
med away for a considerable distance at any part, so 
that it does nofc come in contact with the shoe and 
without danger of the shoe being sprung. 

For the benefit of the apprentice, I will describe 
the making and shaping of the bar shoe. 

It is made from the machine shoe and the general 
fit and shape when finished are the same with the ex- 
ception of the bar across the frog. 

Select a machine-made shoe that is a size larger 
than the one that would ordimarily be used, and pre- 
ferably a front shoe; a size larger in order that the 
heels shall be long enough to admit of turning the bar, 
and a front shoe on acount of its width and stock. 

To Prepare the Heels of the Shoe before Turning 
in the Bar. — 

(a) Scarfing: This is accomplished by holding 
the shoe on the face of the anvil (either surface on the 
face) and striking on the upper edge of the extremity 
of the heel, the hammer held at an angle of about 45 
degrees with the plane of the upper surface. This 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 115 

will result in a bevel between the upper and lower sur- 
faces of the heel about half an inch in length. Scarf 
the other heel in the same way, except that the scarf 
is made on the opposite surface. 

(b) Pointing the scarf (to in'sure a smooth weld) 
This is done by holding each heel in turn so tha 4 " 
it will rest at an angle upon the face of the anvil 
near the heel, and striking on the upper edge at the 
end. (This is the same position and accomplishes the 
same result as pointing the heels of the plate and nor- 
mal shoes after drawing.) 

To Turn in the Bar, — Hold the shoe with the 
tongs at or above the toe ; place the inside edge of the 
heel to be turned on the point of the horn, the quarter 
nearly horizontal, with one inch or an inch and a half 
projecting over the horn, depending upon the length of 
the bar required. 

Strike on the upper edge of the portion projecting 
over the horn, lowering the hand as the bend pro- 
gresses,, and turn in the desired length at a right anp- 1 <\ 

The length of the bend should be a little more than 
one-half the length of the finished bar, as the ends 
must overlap for welding. Turn the other heel in the 
same manner. 

To Prepare the Bar for Welding. — Close the shoe 
bodily until the scarfed points overlap and then ham- 
mer the points down until they fit closely, leaving no 



lib Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

space for coal dust to accumulate. It will! be noticed 
that the overlapped ends approximate twice the thick- 
ness of the web of the shoe. 

To Weld the Bar. — Place the bar in the fire and 
heat to a welding heat, tilting or rocking the shoe for- 
ward and back to insure an equal heat on both sides. 
When the proper heat has been obtained ("fluxing), 
place the bar on the face of the anvil and strike a few 
light blows on one point, then reverse the shoe and 
strike on the opposite point. This will bind the points 
together. 

Reheat the bar to the welding heat and, taking the 
same position, complete the weld by heavier blows, re- 
versing the shoe so that both sides w r ill be flattened. 
After the weld is completed, the bar is shaped by hold- 
ing one corner oin the point of the anvil and striking 
on the center of the bar and then reversing. This will 
set the center of the bar forward, give it the correct 
shape at the heels and prepare it for beveling. The 
upper surface must be hammered down (beveled) 
from the outer edge of; the bar to the point, thus form- 
ing a cradle for the frog. 

Fitting. — The bar shoe is fitted as is the normal 
shoe and the same, heats are used. A little more al- 
lowance, however, is made for expansion on account 
of the added frog pressure. 

To Open the Toe. — The shoe is heated through- 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 1 1 7 

out to an even heat and held upright with the bar on 
the face of the anvil. The blows are struck along 
the toe, thus opening the toe and quarters without 
changing the bar. 

The toe may be opened as in the normal shoe. 

To Widen the Heels. — (By lengthening the bar.) 
(a) When the quarters are too long: Heat the bar 
and the heels to a cherry heat. Hold the shoe in the 
tongs at the toe and place the inside edge of the heel 
on the point of the horn, restinjg at the point from 
which it is desired to turn the heel into the bar. Strike 
on the end of the heel projecting over the horn. Then 
reverse the shoe and proceed in the same manner wit^t 
the other heel. ' 

(&) When the quarters are of the correct length- 
Heat the bar to a white heat and draw it out by 
working on the face of the anvil. This will lengthen 
the bar and at the same time reduce its thickness. Af- 
ter drawing out in this manner, the bar must be lev- 
eled with the upper surface unless the frog is so large 
that it will produce the desired pressure. The bai 
may also be drawn on the point of the horn, working 
on one-half and then reversing ; this method thickens 
the bar and should be used if the frog is very small. 

To Close the Heels. — (By shortening the bar.) 
(a) When the quarters are of the correct length 
Heat the bar and heels and, holding one heel on the 



1 1 S Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

face of the anvil, shoe perpendicular, strike on the ele- 
vated heel. This will shorten the bar, also narrowing 
and straightening the quarters. 

(b) When the quarters are too short: Place an 
inside edge of the triangular part of the bar on the 
point of the horn and strike on the part projecting 
over it. This will turn part of the bar into the heel. 

(c) When the quarters are too long: Hold the 
shoe upright, the center of the bar on the point of the 
anvil, and strike on the toe. This will push the bar 
towards the toe and shorten the shoe, bringing the 
heels closer together. 

To Lengthen the Quarters without Changing the 
Bar. — Draw out the heels on the horn of the anvil as 
in the normal shoe. 

When One Quarter Is Longer Than the Other. — 
To bring the shoe back to its proper shape, heat the 
shoe throughout and holding it upright with the point 
of the heel of the longer quarter on the face, of the 
anvil, strike on the upper edge of the shoe directlv 
over the point resting on the anvil. 

Thinning the bar is often necessary in the case of 
a large frog. To accomplish this, the bar is welded at 
about one-half the required length and then drawn out 
on the face of the anvil, its lower surface being leveled 
with the ground surface of the shoe. 

In the case of an exceptionally large frog, it is nee- 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing i iq 

essary to curve the bar below the ground surface to 
allow sufficient room and prevent too much pressure. 
To Carve the Bar. — Hold the shoe so that one end 
of the bar rests on the edge of the face and the other 
on the horn of the anvil and strike on the center of the 
upper surface. j 

Toe- and heel-calks must be used with this shoe to 
insure a level ground surface. 

It being difficult for the beginner to estimate the 
length of shoe required for making the bar, it would 
be as well to fit the shoe to the outline of the foot be- 
fore turning in the heels to make the bar. 

Resting the Feet. — Shoeing causes the feet to as- 
sume an unnatural condition. No matter how careful 
or how skilled the shoer, the feet are sure to deteriorate 
somewhat from their natural state. It is as necessary 
that the feet be given a rest once a year as it is for the 
business man to put aside his work and take a vacation 
of a few weeks in the country or at the seashore. 

If possible, turn the horse out to pasture for a month 
each summer, first having the shoes pulled off and the 
edges of the wall well rounded to prevent them from 
breaking too badly. If the feet are in such condition 
that by allowing the horse to run without shoes he 
would be foot-sore, have a set of light tips put on. This 
will prevent the wall at the toes from breaking away 



no Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

and at the same time allow the quarters, heels and frog 
to come into contact with the ground. 

The above treatment also allows the feet to regain 
their natural elasticity and form. 

To Repair the Hardie. — When the blade of the 
hardie is worn down so that it is unrit for further use, 
take an old rasp and cut off a piece about four inches 
in length ; scarf each end ; bend in the center and close 
it so as to fit over the blade of the hardie ; the scarf 
should be fitted well down on the shank to hold it in 
position for taking the weld. In taking the weld, use 
borax freely, being careful not to overheat the metal. 
After welding, dress the blade down smooth, and then 
temper it. You w T ill be well repaid for the time thus 
taken in repairing the hardies, as it will hold a cutting 
edge longer than a new hardie. 

Narrow and Wide Web Shoes. — It is the writer's 
opinion that the wide thin shoe is better than the narrow 
thick shoe. The former keeps the foot closer to the 
ground and allows the frog to bear weight, and its 
wide web protects the outer border of the horny sole, 
the weakest part after the foot has been prepared for 
the shoe. The concaving of the inner and upper sur- 
face of the shoe should be just sufficient to allow for 
the descending of the horny sole when weight is placed 
upon the leg and foot, approximately 1-16 of an inch; 
greater space between the sole and shoe allows dirt and 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing m 

gravel to wedge in the opening and causes a bruising 
of the sensitive structures similar to that found when 
the shoe has not been properly concaved. With the 
narrow and thick web shoe, the horny frog is raised 
further from the ground, thus preventing it from re- 
ceiving its proper portion of the shock when the foot 
is planted. Again, the outer border of the horny sole, 
being unprotected, is liable to a bruise or puncture by 
coming in contact with sharp stones or other objects. 

Rubber Pads and Shoes, — Rubber pads and shoes 
are modern methods used to prevent slipping on city 
pavements or icy roads, and for reducing the concus- 
sion when the foot strikes the ground. There are 
many styles of rubber pads on the market and all of 
them have good qualities as to wear, prevention of 
concussion and slipping, etc. Some of them are 
mounted on canvas, while in other cases leather is used. 
With many of them it is necessary to pack the feet 
with hoof-packing, or with tar and oakum, to prevent 
dirt from working in between the sole of the foot and 
the pad. Where dirt can get in, the horse is liable to 
be lamed by its hardening and acting similar to a stone 
wedged in the sole of the foot. The air cushion pad 
needs no packing, as with each step the air is freely 
circulated between the foot and pad, preventing sand 
from getting under the pad. The leather-backed pad 
is considered superior to the canvas, as the former is 



122 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

not as heating to the foot as is the latter, particularly 
so during summer months. 

There are several styles of rubber shoes that are ex- 
cellent for the same purposes as the rubber pads. 

Flaxseed Meal and Tar. — Flaxseed meal is an ex- 
cellent ingredient to mix with tar for packing the feet. 
In warm weather tar is thin and watery and does not 
remain long in the foot ; tar with the flaxseed mixed 
does not dry out so quickly as in case the tar alone 
is used. ( 

Shoeing of Refractory Horses. — Most horses that 
can be classed as refractory in shoeing have been 
brought to this condition by improper handling when 
green and unaccustomed to the sights and sounds of a 
shoeing shop. 

For shoeing the horse that has been spoiled bv poor 
handling, or one that has a naturally mean disposition, 
some form of restraint is required ; but in each instance 
no more force should be employed than is absolutely 
necessary. 

1 will describe a method of simple design and also 
very effective in restraining vicious horses for shoeing : 

The Cuff : A strap of double thickness of leather, 
1 8 inches long and \y 2 inches wide, is sewed to a D- 
ring 3 inches long and made of : 3^-inch round iron. A 
piece of thin leather, g inches long and 3 inches wide, 
is sewed on the inside of the strap next to the D- 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 123 

ring; a buckle and keeper are sewed on the outside of 
the strap. ] 

The Surcingle : Two 3-inch rings are sewed on 
the outside of the surcingle, and are so placed that 
when the surcingle is adjusted, the rings will hang 
down about midway of the horse's side. 

A rope Y4t inch in diameter and about 20 feet long 
is also used. 

To Raise a Fore Foot: Strap the cuff around the 
pastern, the ring above the heels. Pass one end of the 
rope through the ring and tie a half-hitch. The other 
end of the rope is passed through the ring in the sur- 
cingle on the side the foot is to be raised; gently flex 
the knee, raising the foot and at the same time taking 
in the slack of the rope. When the loot is in position 
for shoeing, make the rope fast in the ring; or if a 
helper is available, let him hold the rope without mak- 
ing it fast. In case the rope is tied to the ring, the 
knot should be one that can be easily untied in case the 
horse should throw himself. 

To P.aise a Hind Foot : Strap the cuff around the 
pastern, the ring above the heels. Draw the horse's 
tail to one side and make a loop in it; fasten one end 
of the rope in the loop by a "single sheet bend." Pass 
the other end through the D-ring and draw it to the 
rear, where it is made fast to a post or other convenient 
place. 

When it is found that a horse is so vicious that it 



124 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

is dangerous to shoe him unless he is rendered help- 
less, two courses are open. One is to put him in the 
stocks; the other is to throw him and tie him down. 
The latter method is a last resort and should be used 
only when gentler methods have been tried and proven 
unsatisfactory. 

The Fire. — A clear fire without smoke is essential 
for good work, and the higher degrees of heat can 
only be obtained from such a fire. In order to pro- 
cure a suitable fuel for heating purposes, place green 
coal (slightly dampened) around the fire in conical 
shape: the heat of the fire drives the gases out of the 
coal, and this coal gradually becomes coke. This coke 
is next burned, it being replaced by wet coal. In this 
way a supply of coke is kept up. Green coal is of lit- 
tle use in heating iron or steel, for the reasons that it 
does not give a high degree of heat, that it sticks to 
the metal, and that it emits a smoke which interferes 
with the work. 

The depth of the fire should be about 9 inches ; 
the metal is then supported at the place of greatest 
heat, about 6 inches above the twyer ball. If the 
metal is too near the twyer ball, the heat is affected by 
the cold blast. A properly built fire is essential for 
heating the metal quickly and for the success of the 
weld. 

Clinkers. — Heated steel or iron gives ofif particles 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 125 

or scales, which remain in the fire. These melting par- 
ticles bind together particles of burned coal, gradually 
becoming larger and finally forming what is called a 
clinker. Clinkers give off but little heat and obstruct 
and spoil the fire; they must therefore be removed as 
fast as they form. Their presence will be shown by a 
tendency of the fire to spread and an unusual throw- 
ing out of sparks. If indications of clinkers appear, 
open up the fire with a poker, and as soon as the air 
touches the clinker it will turn black and become a 
solid mass, which can be lifted out entire. Trying to 
drag out the clinker without opening up the fire only 
results in breaking up the clinker and making the fire 
worse than it was before. 

Heats. — There are four degrees of heat that are to 
be considered by the horseshoer, and they are general- 
ly designated as the Black, the Cherry Red, the White, 
and the Welding or Sparkling Heat. 

The Black Heat, when the shoe is hot but shows no 
color, is used in making minor changes in shaping, lev- 
eling, and in opening nail holes. 

The Cherry Red Heat is when the steel or iron 
shows a bright cherry-colored glow. It is used in the 
general shaping of the shoe, in pointing the pritchel. 
and in sharpening the hardy. 

The next degree of heat is called the White Heat, 
because, the steel or iron then shows almost that color. 
This heat is used when it is necessary that the metal 



126 Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 

should be very pliable and easily worked, as in draw- 
ing toe-clips, cutting off the heels, in drawing the heels 
of the shoe, in, hot rasping, and in turning heel-calks. 
The Welding Heal is sometimes called Sparkling 
Heat for the reason that the metal then gives off small 
particles which explode or spark above the fire. As 
soon as the sparks appear, watch the metal closely and 
when the part to be welded has a bubbling (fluxing) 
appearance, it must be withdrawn from the fire and 
worked immdiately. The success of a wel depends 
entirely upon the proper heat of the parts at the exact 
moment the weld is attempted. 

A newly made coal fire can be used for ordinary 
heating, but for a welding heat coke is required. Coke 
is ordinary coal from which the gases have been driven 
off by gradual heating. It will be found ready at hand 
around the edge of the fire. As coke does not smoke, 
there is no trouble in observing when the metal has 
reached exact welding heat. 

Polo Shoes. — Commercial rib steel makes a very 
desirable material for the shoes for polo ponies. It 
can be procured in the bar form or in the finished shoe. 
The rib or rim gives the pony a firm footing, which 
enables him to make quick starts and halts and to 
make sharp turns without slipping. 

It is desirable to make a light bar for this style of 
shoe, as the material is very light and the strain on the 
shoes and nails during severe polo work is liable to 
spring or spread the heels of the shoe off of the but- 
tress. The bar may be made very thin and li^ht by 



Practical and Scientific Horseshoeing 127 

removing the rim. Frog pressure on the bar can be 
had if desired. By leaving the rim on the bar a very 
decided grip is obtained for use in stopping the pony 
suddenly. The shoe may be turned with the rim either 
on the outside or inside edge of the shoe. Personally, 
I prefer the shoe with the rim on the outside of the 
shoe, for by this method the weight is more evenly dis- 
tributed on the wall of the foot, and the footing is 
made more secure by having a large ground surface 
to the shoe. With the rim on the inside edge the 
greatest w r eight falls over the white line and outer bor- 
der of the sole ; the ground surface of the shoe is 
small in circumference and induces a lateral rocking 
of the foot as well as a too rapid breaking over of the 
foot at the toe ; the pony is liable to be thrown off his 
gait and caused to stumble or even fall. 

A swedge for this style of shoe is easily made by 
the horseshoer. Take a piece of steel two inches 
wide, two inches in thickness and five inches in length ; 
forge a shank on one end to fit the hardie hole in the 
anvil ; upset the other end until it will dress to three 
inches square ; allow the steel to anneal and when cold 
take a hack-saw and cut the grooves the desired depth 
and angle on the surface of the swedge ; finish with a 
knife-blade file. 

Ice Nails. — Ice nails are useful in cases of emer- 
gency or in localities where there is little snow and 
ice. A horse shod with plain shoes may be roughened 
very quickly by removing four nails from each shoe 
and replacing them with the ice nails. The first and 
last nails on each side of the shoe should be removed 
for this purpose. For ordinary work, the ice nail will 
wear for several days, 



Bonniwell-Calvin Iron Company 

JOBBERS OF 

Farriers' Tools and Supplies 

A Complete Jlssortment 
of the Best in this Line 



Kansas City, 



Mi 



issouri 



United States 

Horse and Mule 

r~ SHOES ^ 

Are Just What You Need 

Carried in stock by all leading Jobbers 

Write for New Illustrated Catalogue, also Hand^ 
some Souvenir Stick Pin, Given Away Free to Al 
Smiths. 




Manufactured by 



United States Horse Shoe Co., Erie, Pa. 



Air-Cushion Rubber To! 



Pads. 



They 

Convert a 
Paved or 
Asphalt 
Street 
into a 
Meadow 
Pasture. 




AIR-CUSHION 



Air-Cushon 



AiK-uubHiUN CoQ th _ t p llo i,; ftn 9 Air-Cushon 
SADDLE PAD. ™ l»at bUSIHOII; Regular Paa 




IDEALISM IN HORSE-SHOEING.— They follow closely Nature's 
Echsme in anatomy and physiology, and are therefore correct. 

REVERE RUBBER CO., 

SOLE MANUFACTURERS, 
Boston, Mass. 



BRANCHES: Boston, New York, 
Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Chi- 
cago, Kansas City, Minneapo- 
lis, New Orleans, San Francisco. 



The "Capewell" Horse Nail 




ADE 



Checked Head 
Trade-Mark 



OF the best materials to be found in the 

markets of the world. 
BY the most modern processes and under 

the closest inspection 
IN all sizes, patterns and styles of head. 

Each "C apewell" nail has a checked 

head. 



Used by Progressive Shoers 
Everywhere Because 

1 "Capewell" nails drive easiest, thus saving 

time and trouble. 

2 Hold best — the nail that holds the shoe 

holds the customer. 

3 Are safest to use. Do not split or crimp in 

driving. 

4 Every nail in a box of "Capewell" is per- 

fect The shoer gets full value. 

No nail represented to be "The Capewell" 
o the same as "The Capewell" is the same in 
stock and finish unless it has the check mark on 
the head as shown in the accompanying illustra- 
tion. 



MADE BY 



The Capewell Horse Nail Company 

Hartford, Conn., U. S. A. 

Largest Makers of Horse Nails in the World. 




N. LEMOINE, Originator of Lemoine's Hoof Packing 



I Lai's Hool Fail 

ISA 

HOOF GROWER 
and SOFTENER 

Guaranteed to Cure Thrush and Grow Clean, 
Healthy Feet 



N. Lemoine Co., So, Framingham, Mass. 




f im-nsr^"r -■ Ttnw ~t 




CHAMPION SELF-FEED and LEVER-FEED DRILLS. 




The Lever-Feed or 
Self-Feed is changed, 
from one to the other 
in a fraction of a sec- 
ond. 

No. 200 Adjustable 
Leyer-Feed 





They have 
Double Com- w* MaJ> 
pound Lever-Feed and 
Automatic. Self -Feed 
with instantaneous 
quick-return of the 
drill bit with both 
Feeds. 

No. 200^ Adjustable 
Lever-Feed 



No. 203 Double Com- 
pound Lever-Feed 



No. 203 Champion 
Combination Au- 
tomatic Self-Feed 
and Double Com- 
pound Lever-Feed 
ELECTRICALLY 
DRIVEN Upright 
Post Drill. 



REMEMBER There is no TURNING BACK of the FEED Screw 
NUT WITH EITHER FEED. Write your dealer for prices. 

The Cham- 
pion "Pat- 
en ted" Pow- 
er Hammer. 
Weight of 
Ram 65 lbs. 

No. 1. Champion 

"Patented" Power 

Hammer with one 

regular set of Dies 

(2^x6^ inches), 

with plain surface 

{2Y 2 x'S inches), and 

two plain grooves and 
one tapering 
groove across 
ne end for forg- 
ing round iron, 
straight and 
s^p • No# 4 taPering. 

No. 4. American Tire and Axle Shrinker 
will shrink up to 4xl-inch round- 
edge tire, and axles up to 1^4 -inch. 

Ask for our latest Catalog, showing the 
largest and most up to-date line of 
Blacksmith Tods manufactured under 
one control in the world. It will pay 
you to see it. 

CHAMPION BLOWER 4 FORGE CO., 

LANCASTER, PA., U. S. A. 






The Incomparable 4C0 Blower, 
the one great Heirloom that will 
be handed down from one gen- 
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the owners say. Made with Ball 
Bearings Only. Over Half a Mil- 
lion in use. The 400 is the Blow- 
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World in 

M a k in g 

Hand Blast. 



No. 409 Steel Blacksmith's Forge with 
Half Hood. 





No, 433 Cast Iron Blacksmiths' Forge, 
Half Hood and Sloop Bottom Coal Box. 



No. 400 £teel Blacksmith Blower 

Crank turns either way to make 

blast. 

Iron%roauriT^ d,,BIa f ^Clinker, Heavy Nest'Tujere 
concen^trat^ &?i C11 ^ lar i rotary ™l»irlwnid Wait and 
tobowun«nH Leat l a J he tu > ere *«**■ not permittingit 
hotte? fire and ?h* Qt , of tne. chimney ; therefore, makes a 
much coal. S the lron 0ii e-third quicker, saving 

The No. 400 "Whirl- 
wind" Blast Anti- 
Clinker, Heavy Nest 
Tuj ere Iron is furnish- 
ed | with all No. 400 
blowers without Ex- 
tra Cost. 

A Tuyere Iron that 
makes a Whirlwind 
Blast. 

Our goods carried in 
stock by all the lead- 
ing Jobbers. 





Before purchasing a Hand Blower, Forge, 
Hrill Press, Tire Bender. Tire Shrinker, Screw 
Plate, Power Blower, or Electric Blower, write 
for our free catalogue, which always shows the 
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■ __ 




No. 5. 
No 1. m No. 5 Easy Screw Plate. 

No. 1 Electric Blower with five variable Screws Plates in four styles, cutting up to 

speeds for light and medium work. \y 2 inch- 

THE CHAMPION BLOWER 4 FORCE CO., H^.K 



"Heller's Tools Make Better Mechanics. 



>! 





For over half a cent- 
ury, Heller's Rasps, Files and Tools 
have been The Standard by which all others have 
been judged. All made from Refined Clay Crucible Steel. 

For sale by the Leading Hardware and Iron Merchants, and made 
solely by 

HELLER BROTHERS CO., 



NEWARK, N. J. 



Established 1836. 
Incorporated 1899. 



"PHOENIX" 

Horse and Mule Shoes and 
Bull Dog Toe Calks 



ARE THE: 



Best in Material, Shape and 
Finish 



Most Uniform in Size, Easiest to Fit and 
Always Give Satisfaction 



USED BY THE U. S. ARMY 



MANUFACTURED BY 

Phoenix Horse Shoe Company 

Largest Horse Shoe Manufacturers in the World 

ROLLING MILLS AND FACTORIES: OFFICE: 

JOLIET, ILL., POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y. CHICAGO, ILL. 



Champion Tool Company's 

Farrier's Tools 

No. 81 — 12-inch and 14-inch; Our Pride Ball-bear- 
ing Hoof Shear. Ball-bearing joints. Inter- 
changeable knives. The most popular tool, 
for the purpose, produced. 

No. 87— -Clean Claw Driving Hammer; weights 12 
to 20 ounces. Claw is always clean. Spring 
makes that positive, 




a@k 



No. 81. 

Patented. 




Complete 

Catalog, 

showing 

91 labor* 

saving 

tools, mailed on 

request. 



No. 12— Electric Sharpening 
Hammer; weighs If to 3 lbs. 
Corrugated surface of pein 
prevents slipping. Every 
blow counts. 



No. 80— 14-inch 

and 16- inch; Fa- 
vorite Pii cber; 
one jaw de- 
signed square 
to be u sed as 
clinch block. 



No. 87. 
Patented. 




No. 12. 

Patented. 



Champion Tool Company 



Dept. S. 



MEADVILLE, PA. 



No. 80. 



JUN 7 I 



